(ZENIT News / Westminster, UK, 05.21.2024).- In a landmark decision on Wednesday, May 15, Councillor Robert Rigby was elected as the new Mayor of Westminster. An active Catholic, Rigby’s formative years at Ampleforth College, alongside his siblings, late father, and uncle, have deeply influenced his values. He proudly reflects on the Benedictine teachings of “listening” and “humility” which, he asserts, have guided his public and personal life. His cousin, notably, embraced monastic life as a Benedictine monk.
Rigby emphasized, “My Catholic faith plays a crucial role in my daily life, helping me to embody values that I believe will be invaluable during my mayoral tenure, where I will engage with over 500 commitments and thousands of diverse individuals.”
Father Christopher Colven, formerly the rector of St James, Spanish Place, and currently the Catholic chaplain for the Houses of Parliament, will serve as his chaplain.
Since 2010, Rigby has been representing the Regent’s Park ward in Westminster. His notable contributions include leading the planning committee and serving in senior roles related to finance, regeneration, parking, housing, and community engagement.
Acknowledging his new role, Rigby stated, “It is a profound honor and privilege to assume this position. Westminster is a unique, multicultural city, and I am eager to support and engage with our vibrant communities throughout my mayoral year.”
Mayor Rigby has chosen to champion two charities: the Cardinal Hume Centre, which supports homeless youth, and the MCC Foundation, which fosters cricket participation across various communities through training and free matches. “The Cardinal Hume Centre does incredible work aiding young people and families facing homelessness,” he noted, “and I have long admired their efforts in offering a lifeline to those in need.”
Rigby’s connection to his faith and community is further illustrated by his recollection of the momentous occasion in 1976 when the Abbey Church bell at Ampleforth rang to announce Basil Hume’s appointment as Archbishop of Westminster.
Discussing the MCC Foundation, Rigby said, “Promoting fitness and sports among our youth is a key focus for my mayoral year. The Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation does fantastic work introducing cricket to children and teens, particularly in communities where the sport might not be traditionally popular.”
At 63, Rigby, a St John’s Wood resident for over 35 years, has built a career in sales and marketing within the travel industry, notably spending two decades with Japan Airlines where he met his wife, Emiko. An avid runner and a trustee of the London Marathon Foundation, Rigby frequently participates in 10k races and long-distance events as a member of the Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers.
During the Mayor Making ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, Rigby shared his excitement about his historic term, highlighting his plans to promote the Daily Mile initiative in primary schools and engage young residents in the Westminster Mile event in September. He humorously noted, “It’s a year of firsts: our first Japanese mayoress and, I believe, the first time a mayor has run a 10k in under 40 minutes!”
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