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.
The Mayor of Witney for 2025-26 is Councillor Andy Bailey
Brief Introduction
Andy Bailey became Mayor of Witney in 2025 and has lived in the town for 12 years with his wife Hannah and their young son, Aedan. He works closely with residents, local charities, and grassroots groups to bring people together, protect the environment, and support those in need. Alongside his local work, Andy is an international human rights adviser, focusing on Freedom of Religion or Belief, minority rights, and tackling modern slavery. As Mayor, his priorities are empowering young people, safeguarding Witney’s heritage, and making local government open, compassionate, and community focused.
Bio
Andy Bailey was elected Mayor of Witney in 2025, bringing over a decade of experience in the charity sector, human rights, and governmental advocacy to the role. He has lived in Witney for the past 12 years, with his wife Hannah and their young son, Aedan.
Andy is passionate about making Witney a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported. He works closely with residents, local charities, NGOs, and grassroots groups to strengthen community connections, protect our heritage, and create opportunities for all. He is a member of St Mary’s Church, and has been involved in campaigning to tackle pollution in the River Windrush, and initiatives to welcome and assist refugees.
Alongside his local work, Andy is recognised internationally as an expert on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). He has advised governments, parliamentarians, and international organisations on atrocity prevention, minority rights, modern slavery, and supply chain accountability. In Parliament, he served as Director of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Genocide Prevention and as Senior Parliamentary Officer for the APPG on FoRB, contributing to UK foreign policy and United Nations initiatives on conflict prevention, artificial intelligence, and human rights.
Andy studied History at the University of Leicester and holds further qualifications in advocacy strategy and project management from the University of Oxford, INTRAC, and Bond.
As Mayor, Andy’s priorities are shaped by the voices of the community: empowering young people, safeguarding the environment, supporting local NGOs and grassroots groups, and promoting openness, compassion, and collaboration in local government.
The Mayor’s Charities
The Mayor’s chosen charities for this year, Apollos Clothing and Witney Foodbank, both work at the heart of our community to ensure no one in Witney is left without the essentials. Apollos Clothing provides free, good-quality clothing for people facing hardship while reducing waste and protecting the environment. Witney Foodbank offers emergency food and support to families and individuals in crisis, helping them get back on their feet and working to end food poverty. Together, they reflect the values of compassion, dignity, and practical action that make Witney a caring and resilient town.
Apollos Clothing
Apollos Clothing collects preloved and outgrown clothes, preventing them from going to landfill and giving them a new life in the hands of those who need them most. The charity provides good-quality, clean clothing for individuals and families facing hardship, ensuring people can access the clothes they need for home, work, and school through every season. Based in Witney but serving communities across Oxfordshire and beyond, Apollos Clothing combines environmental action with social support, helping to reduce waste while restoring dignity and confidence to those in difficult circumstances.
Witney Foodbank
Witney Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to families, individuals, and children experiencing food crises across Witney and West Oxfordshire. The need has grown sharply in recent years, with over 5,000 people supported last year alone. The Foodbank works with a network of referral partners including schools, GPs, community organisations, and charities to ensure help reaches those in genuine need. Alongside immediate support, it partners with Citizens Advice and others to tackle the root causes of food poverty, with the long-term aim of making foodbanks unnecessary. Volunteers, donors, and community partners all play a vital role in ensuring no one in Witney has to go hungry.
Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Jane Doughty.
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 our 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.
