Published: Thursday, 14th May 2026
Last night (Wednesday, 13 May) Cllr Douglas Hamandishe was elected as the new Mayor of Medway at Medway Council’s annual meeting.
Known as the First Citizen on Medway, the Mayor chairs meetings of Full Council, but a large part of their time is spent promoting and celebrating the people and place of Medway.
Cllr Hamandishe was first elected to Medway Council in 2023, representing Gillingham North. He also previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2024/25.
Honour of a lifetime
The Mayor of Medway, Cllr Hamandishe, said: “It is the honour of a lifetime to represent the community of Medway as Mayor for the next year. Medway is home to amazing people, has hugely significant heritage sites and a flourishing cultural and arts scene – and I am excited to promote and highlight all of this during my year as Mayor.”
Outside of the council, Cllr Hamandishe is a part-time mental health nurse with more than 20 years’ experience in the NHS, a digital transformation consultant and an author.
Over the next year, he will be supported by his fiancée, Victoria Slater, who will act as Mayoress, and his daughters, Armaris and O’nai, who will act as Consorts.
For his chosen charities this year, Cllr Hamandishe has selected the Wisdom Hospice, Chatham Royal Marine Cadets, The Legend on the Bench and The Sunlight Development Trust.
Cllr Hamandishe added: “Charities and volunteers across the country carry out amazing work, and for my charities for the coming year I have chosen topics which are close to my heart. Each of them represents a stage of the journey and care throughout someone’s life. I am deeply proud to be supporting all four of them, and look forward to helping shine a light on the remarkable work they carry out.”
Deputy Mayor of Medway appointed
During the meeting, Cllr Sharon Jackson was also appointed Deputy Mayor of Medway.
Cllr Jackson moved to Medway alongside her five foster children with additional needs in 2000. Upon moving here, Cllr Jackson became actively involved in a number of local community groups, including the Medway Parents and Carers Forum, where she now proudly serves as a trustee.
She was first elected to Medway council in 2023, serving Strood West. As well as sitting on the expert committee for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Cllr Jackson has spoken about the condition a number of times in Parliament alongside her daughter, Rachel, who will also act Cllr Jackson’s Consort during her mayoral year.
Cllr Jackon is an advocate for vulnerable people and proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Outside of the council, she is a stand-up comedian, running regular comedy nights across Medway.
Amplify the voices
Cllr Jackson, Deputy Mayor of Medway, said: “Medway was a place that quickly became my home, and it is a genuine honour to have been elected to the role of Deputy Mayor. This is a place which has a strong sense of community, inspirational community groups and charities and a wealth of history and culture. During my time in Medway, I have met so many amazing people, and over the next year as Deputy Mayor I look forward to being able to help amplify the voices of those working tirelessly for our community.”