A new Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich have officially taken up their ceremonial roles following a full council meeting at City Hall on Tuesday 19 May.
Councillor Karen Davis has been appointed Lord Mayor of Norwich for the coming civic year, taking over from Councillor Paul Kendrick.
Dave Shraga has been named the new Sheriff of Norwich, succeeding Stuart Wright.
Deputy Lord Mayor for 2026-27 will be Cllr Gary Champion.
The positions of Lord Mayor and Sheriff are historic and ceremonial roles, representing the city at civic and public events, supporting local charities, and acting as ambassadors for Norwich.
Lord Mayor of Norwich – Councillor Karen Davis
Councillor Karen Davis has represented Town Close ward since 2016 and has played key roles on the council’s scrutiny, planning and licensing committees in recent years.
Outside her work as a councillor, Karen runs the Bread and Roses community café in the Town Close area of Norwich. She is passionate about helping people live their best lives and, as a qualified teacher, has used her skills to help others improve their maths and literacy, while also supporting them to become more independent through learning practical skills such as growing food, budgeting, shopping and cooking.
Speaking after her appointment, she said: “It is an immense honour to represent the city of Norwich, and I hope to bring enthusiasm and humility to the role and help make Norwich a fair and inclusive city for all.”
Emma Corlett will accompany her throughout her term of office, serving as Lady Mayoress.
Sheriff of Norwich – Dave Shraga
Dave Shraga brings a strong background in business, accessibility advocacy and community leadership to his new role as Sheriff of Norwich. Originally from Zimbabwe, he is director of specialist wheelchair glove company Grippitz and chairperson of Inclusive Norwich, a charity campaigning to improve accessibility and inclusion across Norwich and Norfolk. He has also worked for Transport for London and volunteered extensively supporting people with spinal injuries.
Dave studied international development, politics, media and anthropology at the University of East Anglia before completing a master’s degree in research methodology focused on community media.
Dave said: “I am incredibly proud and honoured to become Sheriff of Norwich and look forward to serving the city and supporting the communities that make Norwich so special.”
You can find out more about the roles of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Norwich by visiting: Norwich Mayor and sheriff
