The new Lord Mayor of York has been revealed.

As announced at today's full council meeting (November 21) at City of York Council, Cllr Martin Rowley will take over the post of Lord Mayor of York from Cllr Margaret Wells in May, 2025.

It will mark Cllr Rowley's sixth year as a councillor in York. He was first elected as the Conservative councillor for Osbaldwick and Derwent ward in 2019.

Cllr Rowley was born in Norfolk in 1962. Shortly afterwards his family moved to Sheffield, and he sees himself as a proud Yorkshireman.

At 16 years old he joined the Army through the Royal Corps of Signals. Cllr Rowley went on to serve in Germany, Northern Ireland and the Falklands.

Since leaving the Army, Cllr Rowley has served as a school Governor for Archbishop Holgate's since 1993. He started his business 'Rowley & Sons Family Funeral Services' in 2013, after leaving his career as a financial advisor for LloydsTSB.

Cllr Martin Rowley will take over the role from May (Image: Supplied) Before being announced as Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Rowley told The Press: "It’s not been a plan, but its been an aspiration. I’ve never had any aspiration for leader of the council or group leader.

"For me, Lord Mayor is the highest honour you can receive, you’re the first citizen of York. It’s the ultimate honour that you could ask for."

Cllr Rowley said that he will be York's first Conservative Mayor for 11 years. As for the future of his well-known business, he added: "We’re a family run business, my wife and sons and daughter in law will continue to be the main stays in the business.

"It is in really good hands, really safe hands, we continue to be a family run business."

The outgoing Lord Mayor - Cllr Wells - and her civic party will leave the Mansion House after a successful tenure, in which she's had to grapple with cuts at City of York Council.

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"I have got the upmost admiration for Margaret," Cllr Rowley added.

"She’s been the most brilliant ambassador for the city under difficult circumstances. Whilst its still a traditional role, there's been a lot of changes that she’s had to cope with."

Before he takes office, Cllr Rowley said he wants to be a Lord Mayor for 'everyone'.

He added: "I’m ex-military, an army veteran, I’ve also been a school governor for 31 years, I’ve got a keen interest in schools and the armed forces.

"I want to be as available to the citizens of York in anyway they want me to, if it’s a large or small gathering but you want the Lord Mayor there then put a request into the civic office."

His wife - Elizabeth - will be the city's Lady Mayoress, Paul Doherty will serve as Sherriff, and David Smith as Sherriff Consort.