Published on
27 May 2026
Introducing the new Mayor of Wokingham Borough
Cllr Rob Comber was the Wokingham Town Mayor in 2024 and he will support Daisy's Dream as his chosen charity
Cllr Rob Comber was elected as the next Wokingham Borough Mayor at Annual Council on Thursday 21 May, succeeding Cllr Carol Jewell after a year as her deputy.
The Mayor is officially the ‘first citizen’ of the borough, with a civic role, representing the council and the people of the borough, as well as presiding over borough council meetings.
Unless His Majesty The King or his representative is in attendance, the Mayor takes precedence over any other dignitaries at events within Wokingham Borough.
The Deputy Mayor for the next civic year will be Cllr Melanie De Jong.
Cllr Comber’s chosen charity for her year as Borough Mayor will be Daisy’s Dream. The charity provides support for children and young people facing bereavement, helping them prepare for a loss or navigate life after the death of someone important to them.
Cllr Comber said: “I have a very difficult job following Carol as Mayor as she fulfilled the role so well. But watching her has prepared me and I am looking forward to being out in the borough’s wonderful communities meeting people and providing support in whatever ways I can.
“I have chosen Daisy’s Dream because of the incredibly important work they do. Facing bereavement as a child or young person is incredibly difficult and the support Daisy’s Dream provides is invaluable.”
About Cllr Rob Comber
Cllr Comber has been a borough councillor since 2024 and was the Wokingham Town Mayor in 2024, the year of Wokingham Town Council’s 50th anniversary. He is also leader of the town council.
He first moved to Berkshire as a result of opportunities in the IT sector and came to Wokingham around 40 years ago. He built a successful career, managing a number of businesses before running his own small business.
About Cllr Melanie De Jong
Cllr De Jong moved to the UK from South Africa in 1989. She worked at Maiden Erlegh School for 22 years, as a welfare officer and a first aider.
She became an Earley town councillor in 2011 and was Mayor of Earley in 2015/16. She was elected to the borough council in May 2024.
