New Lord Mayor chosen for Kent’s only city
A former airline steward has been named Lord Mayor of Canterbury.
Former airline steward, University of Kent graduate and ward councillor for Chartham and Stone Street Cllr Alister Brady (Lab) was elected as Lord Mayor of Canterbury at the city council’s annual meeting on Wednesday (May 13).
He takes over from Sturry ward member Cllr Keji Moses (Lab), who has served as the Lord Mayor for the last year.
“Community is the heartbeat of our city,” she told the meeting in a speech.
“I have seen people work together in the most extraordinary ways, I have seen individuals freely give their time to care for and preserve our environment for future generations.”
The position of Lord Mayor traces its history to the late seventh century AD, when the city had a ‘chief citizen’ known as a Portreeve.
From 1448, the position was known as the Mayor, and from 1988 onwards as Lord Mayor.
Cllr Pat Edwards (Lab), proposing him as Lord Mayor, told the meeting: “Alister’s lived in Canterbury since 1988 in both city and rural areas and was educated locally.
“He has represented residents at Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council since 2021, and currently resides in Upper Harbledown with his family.”
Cllr Tom Mellish (Lab), seconding, added: “You will be exhausted but you will love it.
“There will be all sorts of dinners and lunches – you will not remain the skinny thing you are now.”
Thanking his predecessor, Cllr Brady said: “Keji, your dedication to young people is nothing short of inspiring.”
He continued: “It is a real honour to be here today and I am profoundly grateful to my fellow councillors and the people of Canterbury.
“Community means a great deal to me.
“Canterbury is not just somewhere I work, it is where I live, where I belong and where so many of my most important connections are rooted.
“It is a place defined by kindness, resilience and people looking out for one another.”
Cllr Brady was elected unanimously by his council colleagues of all parties.
While the role is mostly ceremonial, the holder is also the chairman of Canterbury City Council.
As a ceremonial office, whose holder is expected to attend many public and charitable events, it is customary for them to have a chosen charity for the year, to which the proceeds from a charitable gala later in the civic year go.
Cllr Moses chose East Kent Mind as hers, with the gala held in April.
Cllr Brady chose the Kent Neuro Therapy Centre, the Merton Lane-based charity which provides additional care and support to people with neurological conditions.
The Lord Mayor is assisted in their ceremonial duties by the Sheriff of Canterbury, a title which dates to 1461, when King Henry IV granted a charter creating Canterbury as a county independent of Kent itself.
Despite the city becoming a local government district within Kent like the rest in the 1970s, the role has been maintained.
Cllr Steph Jupe (Lib Dem) served as Sheriff for the 2025–26 year, and was re-elected last night to serve again.
Cllr Alex Ricketts (Lib Dem) proposed her for the role, stating: “she’s exceeded even my high expectations of her she has absolutely done brilliantly in the role.”
“Thank you for trusting me with the sword and stick again,” she quipped in reference to the ceremonial symbols of the office.