Youngest ever councillor elected as Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea

Councillor Will Lane has been elected as Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea for 2024-25 at the Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday 22 May. He is the youngest ever Councillor to hold the ceremonial role.

Will has appointed Councillor Laura Burns as his Deputy Mayor, who has represented Chelsea Riverside ward since May 2022. The Mayoral Chaplain is The Reverend Brian Elfick, Vicar of Christ Church Kensington.

At the Annual Council meeting, Will announced the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation as his Mayoral Charity for the year.

Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Will Lane said:

"Raised by a single mother on Merseyside, I would never have dreamed of one day becoming Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea. I consider it a privilege to have been elected as Mayor by my peers and hope that my youth can inspire more young people to get involved in politics and civic life. Young people need to feel that they have a chance to influence the way they're governed, to ensure that our democracy has a meaningful and hopeful future.

"I am incredibly lucky to live here, and look forward to meeting residents, businesses and community organisations across the borough during my Mayoral year, representing the borough that we all care about so much.

"I am also delighted to be partnering with the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation, a local charity who work to improve the lives and opportunities of disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Kensington and Chelsea."

Victoria Stewart Todd, Director of the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation said:

"We are thrilled to have been chosen as the Mayor's charity and look forward to working with the Mayor and his team to raise awareness of, and funds for, The Kensington and Chelsea Foundation's work over the next year. Through projects supporting better mental health, education outcomes and employment opportunities, we are improving the lives and life chances of some of the most vulnerable in our community.

"We are delighted that the Mayor has chosen a charity partner working across the whole borough, and tackling some of the most pressing issues facing residents."

Will was elected as a Councillor to represent Queen's Gate ward in May 2022. Will has lived in the Borough for 8 years at his family home in Queen's Gate.

Since his election, Will has been Vice-Chair of the Investment Committee, and a member of the Planning Committee, Housing and Communities Select Committee, and has also been a Trustee on the Board of Citizens Advice Kensington and Chelsea.

After attending a Merseyside state school and reading law at Cambridge, Will worked in law and government affairs, and currently conducts government affairs on behalf of the UK advertising industry. Will's interests include classical music, Everton Football Club, and history.

For more information about the Mayoralty, please visit:

• Your Mayor
• The role of Mayor
• Invite the Mayor to your event

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