Exeter’s new Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Jobson has chosen Exeter Riding for the Disabled as her official charity.
Cllr Jobson was made the new Lord Mayor at Annual Council Meeting on Tuesday 13 May. The new Deputy Lord Mayor is Cllr Gemma Rolstone.
Cllr Jobson will use her term as Lord Mayor to raise money for the Alphington-based charity.
She said: "I am delighted that the Exeter Group of Riding for the Disabled will be my mayoral charity.
“I wanted to support this group as they provide free, safe riding facilities for children with disabilities in and around Exeter. Young people have the opportunity to take part in an activity that can help them both physically, but also socially as they engage with other riders.
“The weekly riding sessions provide not just therapy, but fun and a sense of achievement which undoubtedly help their everyday activities outside the riding environment."
The eldest of three sisters, Anne was born in Fareham, Hampshire. She studied Business Law, Economics and Accountancy at City of London Polytechnic, where she met her husband Andrew whilst editing the student newspaper.
The couple lived in north London, sharing a mutual passion for cricket, until Andrew died just before his 50th birthday. Anne moved to Exeter in 2001.
A barrister specialising in family law, she is a member of Chambers in both London and Exeter.
Anne has always been involved in politics and was a parliamentary candidate in three General Elections whilst in London. In 1992 she was awarded the OBE for political and public service.
She was first elected to the City Council in 2021 and has represented the St Loyes ward ever since. In 2022 she became Conservative Group Leader.
She serves on a number of committees and is a trustee of Exeter Canal & Quay Trust, a director of Exeter Homes Trust and a member of the Oversight Committee of the RAMM.
She enjoys walking her springer spaniel in Exeter’s Valley Parks, teaches ballet and volunteers at the Devon Bird of Prey Centre. She also has a pet Little Owl.
Supporting Anne this year will be Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Gemma Rolstone, who has represented the Topsham ward since 2024. She is an early years teacher and a Chiefs and rugby fan.
She will be volunteering at Sandy Park during this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
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