The Mayor of Witney is elected after a majority vote of councillors annually at the beginning of May at the Town Council’s Annual Meeting. The Mayor is the Chairman of the Council, is entitled to attend all meetings in an ex officio capacity and presides over the Full Council meetings. They are the elected representative of the Council who leads civic engagements and attends public events in Witney. Historically, the Mayor is bestowed the honorary title of first citizen of the town and is also an Honorary Rotarian during their year.
Councillors, including the Mayor, may operate their own social media accounts. These accounts are personal and unofficial, and are not managed, monitored, or controlled by Witney Town Council.
The Mayor of Witney for 2026-27 is Councillor Jane Doughty
Brief Introduction
Jane Doughty became Mayor of Witney in 2026 and has lived in the town for over 35 years with her husband, Geoff. She works with groups of all ages across Witney—from young children to older residents—supporting them with a wide range of issues. As Mayor, her priorities are to strengthen local communities and help ensure Witney remains a vibrant, much-loved town. She is continuing the recent focus on local government that is open, compassionate and community focused.
Bio
Jane Doughty was elected Mayor of Witney in 2026, bringing nearly 20 years of experience representing local residents in government. She has lived in Witney for more than 35 years with her husband, Geoff, who is also a local councillor.
Jane is committed to fostering a strong, supportive community in Witney. In her dual role as a Town and District councillor, she works closely with residents and supports organisations serving young people, older people and families. As Deputy Mayor in the previous year, she frequently represented the town at regional community and charity events.
Professionally, Jane brings a background in finance and administration to her public service. She is a Finance Officer at the University of Oxford within the Department of Biology. Her local governance experience includes serving on the Audit and Governance Committee, the Licensing Committee, the Finance and Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and planning and community-based committees.
MAYOR’S CHARITIES
The Mayor’s chosen charities for this year, Oasis and Witney Day Centre.
The Oxfordshire Autistic Society for Information and Support (OASIS) provides vital services and supports families raising children and young people with autism through activities, playdays, and community support, helping to reduce isolation and build local connections.
The Witney Day Centre provides companionship, activities, meals, and support for older residents, helping people stay connected and reducing social isolation. It is run largely by volunteers.
Together, these charities reflect the strong sense of community support and practical care that exists across Witney and Oxfordshire.
OASIS
Oxfordshire Autistic Society for Information and Support (OASIS) was established in 1992 by parents and professionals supporting children with autism and related conditions. Since becoming a registered charity in 1998 (No. 1033927), OASIS has grown to a membership of over 150 families and continues to expand.
For over 30 years, OASIS has made a meaningful difference to individuals and families across Oxfordshire. Run by a dedicated committee of volunteers who are autism parents themselves, the charity offers a welcoming, understanding community for those raising children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). OASIS is entirely self-funded, relying on membership fees, fundraising, and donations to sustain its work.
OASIS provides a range of support, including informal coffee mornings, evening talks from professional speakers, and subsidised courses. Families are welcome whether their child has received a diagnosis or is currently undergoing assessment.
A key part of OASIS’s work is our popular holiday playdays, which run throughout the school holidays. These offer safe, enjoyable activities tailored to families, while giving parents and carers valuable opportunities to connect and support one another. OASIS is currently the only organisation in Oxfordshire offering these types of experiences.
Playdays are subsidised to ensure accessibility for all families, regardless of financial circumstances. Demand continues to grow, and OASIS is committed to expanding its provision to meet the needs of the community it serves
With growing demand for our services, OASIS are committed to developing and expanding our support to reach more families across Oxfordshire.
WITNEY DAY CENTRE
The Witney Day Centre is a charity-run social club dedicated to enriching the lives of local seniors. Operating every Thursday at Ceewood Hall, the centre provides a warm, “big family” atmosphere for residents over 60, offering a vital lifeline against social isolation.
Members enjoy a full day of engagement, starting with morning coffee and seated exercises, followed by a freshly prepared two-course lunch, and concluding with afternoon entertainment such as live music or bingo.
To ensure the service is accessible to everyone, the centre operates its own minibus for member transport and offers a Tuesday “meals on wheels” service.
Primarily volunteer-led, it remains a cornerstone of the Witney community, providing companionship, activities, and support for those with early-stage dementia.
The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Sandra Simpson.
Leader of the Council
The Leader of the Council is Councillor Dr Ruth Smith.
Deputy Leader of the Council
The Deputy Leader is Councillor Joy Aitman.
Request the Mayor
To request the Mayor at an event please complete Booking-the-Mayor form or contact the Mayor’s Diary secretary loraine.harwood@witney-tc.gov.uk
Please also contact the Mayor’s Diary Secretary if you would like an editable word version of the booking form by email.