As of today, York has a new Lord Mayor.
The traditional mayor-making ceremony took place today at the Guildhall, where local civic leaders gathered for the annual council meeting.
Conservative Councillor Martin Rowley has been appointed as the city’s new Lord Mayor, succeeding Labour’s Councillor Margaret Wells.
Cllr Rowley’s wife, Elizabeth, will be the city’s Lady Mayoress, Paul Doughty will serve as Sheriff, and David Smith as his Sheriff Consort.
Ben Frier, York’s Town Crier, announced the news as the ceremonial procession made its way from the Guildhall to the The Grand Assembly Rooms, led by the Sword and Mace bearers.
As Lord Mayor, Cllr Rowley will also serve as Chairman of City of York Council for the next year.
Born in Norfolk, Cllr Rowley has lived in York for most of his life and has represented Osbaldwick and Derwent as a Conservative councillor since 2019.

“It is an honour and a privilege to have been chosen as the next Lord Mayor of York, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Margaret Wells for all her hard work and dedication during her tenure as Lord Mayor.
“Alongside my colleagues in the new Civic Party, I’m looking forward to stepping into this historic position and acting as an ambassador for this great city during what will certainly be a busy and exciting year for York.”
Pictures and videos below.





