Councillor Jonathan Upton has been elected as the new Mayor of Oswestry, following the town’s Mayor Making Ceremony on 11 May 2026. He takes up the role for the 2026/27 Civic Year, joining a line of civic leaders stretching back over 350 years to 1673.

Jonathan, who has lived in Oswestry all his life, was first elected to the Council in 2021, representing Maserfield Ward. During his time as a councillor, he has chaired and served on numerous committees, championing residents’ interests and bringing a thoughtful, evidence-led approach to the Council’s work.

In his acceptance remarks, Jonathan spoke of his deep personal connection to the town. He said: “My family have lived in Oswestry and the surrounding areas for centuries. I was raised in Oswestry, I went to school in Oswestry, I work in the Oswestry area, and I have seen how our funny, lovely old town reacts to the ever-changing zeitgeist that the West contends with on a daily basis.”

He expressed ambitious hopes for his year in office: “My hope for 2026/27 is to continue utilising that diversity to make Oswestry not just the best town in Shropshire but the best town in the UK as well.”

Throughout his Mayoral Year, Jonathan will focus on three fundraising priorities – men’s mental health, the preservation and promotion of Oswestry’s heritage, and improving resources for elderly residents.

Speaking about his motivations, he said: “Having suffered with mental health myself, it’s only right that I use my term to give Oswestrians a voice and support.”

Beyond the Council chamber, Jonathan is an NHS Administrator, a UNISON Steward, a volunteer at Oswestry Town Museum and a founding member of Oswestry Men Walking and Talking. His interest in vexillology – the study of flags – has already left a tangible mark on the town’s calendar. It was Jonathan who introduced the annual flying of the Banner of St Oswald during St Oswald’s Week.

Jonathan will also continue his predecessor Councillor Rosie Radford’s work in building links between Oswestry and other Shropshire towns. As a pedestrian and public transport user, he is keen to improve bus, rail and taxi provision and to develop new walking and cycling routes across the area.

He will be supported during his year in office by his Mayoress, his mother Councillor Ruth Simmonds, and will work alongside Deputy Mayor Councillor James Owen.

The Mayor is keen to attend local events throughout his term. Invitations can be sent to: sandratrevor@oswestry-tc.gov.uk