UK: Zimbabwe-born Dr Alice Mpofu Nicoles new mayor of Reading

By Own Correspondent

Zimbabwe-born Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles has been elected new mayor of the Reading borough in Berkshire for the 2025/26 term.

Dr Mpofu-Coles was elected during a full council meeting on Wednesday and will be deputised by Cllr Paul Gittings.

She takes over from Cllr Glenn Dennis who made history when he was elected Reading’s first black mayor last year.

The local authority confirmed the council leadership change with a social media statement which reads “Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles has been elected as Mayor of Reading for the 2025/26 term. Councillor Paul Gittings has been elected as Deputy Mayor.”

Cllr Mpofu-Coles describes herself as “a passionate advocate for social justice, a tireless activist, author, creative researcher and compelling public speaker”.

“My PhD research at the University of Reading focused on identity and activities for young immigrants with the title Identity, Transnational, Translocal Activities and Intergenerational Relationships for Young Zimbabweans in the U.K,” reads her profile.

“Currently, I am a Community Researcher Associate and to shape the University’s future on race equality and as an engaged University with underrepresented communities.

“The research work embeds Participatory Action Research (PAR) and develops community themes to build capacity embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in research initiatives.”