Birmingham has had a mayor (and elected council) since 1838.

The office was raised to the dignity of lord mayor when Queen Victoria issued letters patent on 3 June 1896.

[1] By modern convention, the Lord Mayor stands for a year, and is installed into office at the Annual Meeting of the City Council.

Lord Mayors are non-political and non-executive during their term of office and act as chair of the council.

The honour of being Lord Mayor is now usually alternated between the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups.