Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres Awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Brenda Dacres, the Mayor of Lewisham, has been awarded an OBE for Political and Public Service in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025, recognising her decades-long commitment to public life, community empowerment, and political leadership.
The honour marks a landmark achievement not only for Mayor Dacres but also for the borough she has long called home. Elected as Lewisham’s Mayor in 2024, Dacres made history by becoming the first Black woman to be directly elected as Mayor of a London borough. Her recognition with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is seen as a testament to her dedication to improving lives in Lewisham and beyond.
Speaking after the announcement, Mayor Dacres said: “It’s an incredible privilege to be awarded an OBE and I’m truly honoured to be recognised in this way. Lewisham has been my home for over 40 years; it’s where I’ve raised my family and built my life.
“To receive this award while serving as the first Black directly elected Mayor in London, for work that makes a difference in Lewisham, across London through London Councils, and nationally through the Local Government Association, means so much to me.
“I’m deeply grateful to my family, friends, my party, our dedicated Council officers, and especially the people of Lewisham for their unwavering support. I hope this recognition will be a source of inspiration and encouragement – and that I can continue to be a positive role model for others.”
A Life Rooted in Service and Resilience
Brenda Dacres’s story is one of determination, community activism, and public service rooted in a deep connection to the borough of Lewisham. Born and raised in the area, she has lived in Lewisham for over four decades. Her parents arrived in the UK from Jamaica in the 1960s as part of the Windrush generation—her father working as a mechanic and black cab driver, and her mother as an NHS nurse.
Dacres was the first in her family to attend university, studying Physical Sciences with Computing at London South Bank University, thanks in part to a grant from Lewisham Council. She later completed a Law degree and was called to the Bar in 2006 by Middle Temple.
Her journey into politics began at the local level. Dacres was first elected as a councillor in 2014, representing wards in New Cross and Deptford. Over the next decade, she held a variety of senior roles, including Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Safer Communities, and most recently, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Development and Planning in 2021.
Known for her focus on housing, youth engagement, community safety, and environmental sustainability, Dacres has worked to bring inclusive policies and equitable opportunities to one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
National Impact
Beyond Lewisham, Brenda Dacres has been active on the national stage. As a member of London Councils and a contributor to the Local Government Association, she has played a key role in shaping urban policy, with a focus on social justice, affordable housing, and climate resilience.
Her OBE recognises both her local achievements and her growing influence in national political discourse—particularly as a representative of minority communities and a strong voice for grassroots democracy.
Local Pride
The news has been met with widespread celebration across Lewisham. Local organisations, residents, and fellow councillors have expressed their congratulations, hailing Dacres as a beacon of hope and a powerful example of leadership through adversity.
In a statement, Lewisham Council said: “We are proud to see Mayor Brenda Dacres recognised at the national level for her tireless service to the people of Lewisham. Her leadership reflects the very best of public service – rooted in integrity, lived experience, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.”
As the borough prepares to mark Windrush Day later this month, Dacres’s recognition resonates even more strongly—representing both a personal milestone and a broader moment of affirmation for Lewisham’s rich cultural heritage.
