Councillor Margaret Wells Reappointed as Lord Mayor of York for 2026/2027

York has officially welcomed its new Lord Mayor for the 2026/2027 civic year, with Councillor Margaret Wells taking on the prestigious role once again. This significant event took place during the City of York Council’s Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting on 21 May 2026, where the new Civic Party was also introduced.

Returning Lord Mayor

Councillor Wells is no stranger to the office, having previously served as Lord Mayor before. The position of Lord Mayor of York carries great importance, being the second highest in precedence after the Lord Mayor of London. The office has a rich history, dating back to at least 1217, and was elevated to Lord Mayor status by King Richard II in 1389. This historical legacy adds to the significance of the role that Councillor Wells now resumes.

New Civic Party Members

Alongside Councillor Wells, the new Civic Party includes:

• The Lord Mayor's Consort: Trevor Gant

• Sheriff of York: Geoff Cossins

• Sheriff’s Consort: Stuart Jarman

Geoff Cossins takes over as Sheriff of York from Paul Doughty, adding fresh energy to the Civic Party. The role of Sheriff holds its own historical significance, often linked to the Lord Mayor's duties.

Words from the Leaders

During the ceremony, Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, expressed her pride in welcoming Councillor Wells back to the role of Lord Mayor. She stated, “Mayor making is an ancient tradition steeped in history, and it is a real honour to formally welcome York’s new Lord Mayor and Civic Party for the next year. I’d like to thank Cllr Rowley and the outgoing Civic Party for their outstanding work.”

In her acceptance speech, Councillor Wells expressed her gratitude and excitement for the year ahead: “It is a real honour to be chosen as the Lord Mayor of York again. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Rowley BEM for all his hard work and dedication during his tenure as Lord Mayor. Alongside my colleagues in the Civic Party, I’m looking forward to continuing our work as ambassadors for this fantastic city along with meeting the amazing people of York and helping raise money for fantastic causes.”

Fundraising for Local Causes

The new Lord Mayor's fundraising committee has plans to organise events throughout the year to support local charities, specifically focusing on York Cares, which is backed by Shared York CIC. This initiative aims to raise funds that will positively impact the community and support those in need.

The commitment to local causes is a vital part of the Lord Mayor's role, as it allows for engagement with the community and highlights the importance of supporting local initiatives. Councillor Wells and her Civic Party are expected to play a key role in these efforts, bringing attention to various charitable activities across York.

The Significance of the Role

The position of Lord Mayor is not just a ceremonial title; it carries responsibilities that include representing the city at official events, promoting civic pride, and fostering community spirit. The Lord Mayor often meets with local organisations, schools, and charities, making the role integral to the social fabric of York.

As Councillor Wells steps into this role, her experience and previous tenure will likely help her navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with being the Lord Mayor. The community can expect a year filled with events, initiatives, and a continued focus on enhancing the quality of life for York's residents.

The appointment of Councillor Margaret Wells as the Lord Mayor of York marks an exciting chapter for the city, with the Civic Party poised to engage with the community and support important local causes. As the year unfolds, residents and visitors alike will be watching to see how the new Lord Mayor and her team will shape the civic landscape of York.