There is a growing shift in the UK’s politics, reflecting modern Britain’s diversity, changing demographics and values.
As the South Asian community grows and prospers, there has been a rise in more ethnic politicians in various key roles, reflecting a deep engagement by South Asian communities in the political process.
This is particularly true in the representation of South Asians in local political leadership – and especially in the key position of Mayor.
Recently across the UK local councils have held their Annual General Meetings, or AGMS, aimed at both reviewing council activities and electing ceremonial leaders – including new Mayors, who typically champion local causes and connect with communities.
An increasing trend for better community and political representation
This year’s appointments reflect this growing trend, with a range of South Asian and ethnic Mayors spread across the UK.
One inspiring appointment is the selection of Councillor Shibley Alam for Mayor of Tameside – a political milestone as Shibley is the first Bangladeshi Woman to be elected by any authority in the North of England.
She said: “I am proud and deeply honoured to be asked to serve as civic mayor of Tameside for the coming year.
“I would like to pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Cllr Betty Affleck, for the fantastic job she has done, and I will do my very best to live up to the high standards she has set.
“Although I know the coming year will be very busy, I’m looking forward to it and expect it to be very rewarding. I want to meet as many people as possible across our wonderful borough – from schools and volunteers to community groups.”
As the 50th Civic Mayor of Tameside, she has already made a mark in local politics in a variety of roles, including being elected to Tameside Council in 2019, and is the Deputy Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel amongst others. Her appointment marks a step forward for political representation for the Bangladeshi community.
A similar milestone for the Bangladeshi community was last year when in May 2024, Mohammed Asaduzzaman became the first Bangladeshi Muslim Mayor of Brighton and Hove.
Seen as not only important for the Bangladeshi community but also as an example of the area’s diversity and inclusion, he is an example of the positive impact of immigration.
The past two years see key Mayor appointments
The past two years have marked an encouraging increase in Mayoral appointments that represent the South Asian community, including:
Chaman Lal, who was born in India, was appointed Lord Mayor of Birmingham in May 2023, Dr Zahid Chauhan, who was both a Labour politician and GP, who has been Mayor of Oldham since May 2023.
Yasmine Dar also made history as the city’s first Asian woman to become Lord Mayor of Manchester.
For the younger generation of the South Asian diaspora, Sunderland’s new Mayor, which he also shares with a Mayoress, is important as he is not only the first of Asian heritage, but the youngest at only 28:
New Mayor, Cllr Haque said: “To have been elected Mayor of Sunderland is the proudest achievement of my life so far and I am honoured to serve the City of Sunderland. I am looking forward to celebrating the people of this city and its businesses, charities and communities.”
Although originating from Somaliland, another major step towards better representation of the UK’s diversity also comes from the first black woman wearing a hijab.
Safiya Saeed has just been inaugurated as the new Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield. Making her the city’s 128th Lord Mayor – and the first hijab-wearing woman to be elected to the position:
She announced: “I stand before you today in great pride and joy, it is more than an honour, I am honoured to be the first black woman wearing a hijab to hold this position in Sheffield’.
She is also proud to represent Sheffield in her new role: “I came to Sheffield in 1985, and this city has truly become my home – a place where I have always felt I belong.”
She has also stated: “I want every voice, no matter how quiet, to feel heard in the heart of this city”.
A history of striving for better representation
However, South Asian politicians making historic progress is nothing new.
Back in May 2008 Manjula Sood, born in Ludhiana, India, became the first female South Asian Mayor in the UK, taking the role of Lord Mayor of Leicester.
Manjula first came to the UK in 1970 and became active in local politics, elected as a Labour Councillor in 1970.
Her appointment reflected a shift in the political makeup of the UK, where South Asian women empowered themselves by entering political roles.
This appointment proved a big success, focusing on bringing together different communities in Leicester, and promoting cohesion.
Equally important in representing the South Asian Community was the first Asian Mayor, Jagdish Sharma.
Jagdish was appointed in 1979, and went on to hold key roles, such as leader of Hounslow Council, and was even awarded an MBE.
Originally from India, he came to the UK in 1965, Seen as a pioneer in a largely white political landscape at the time, representing the Asian Community in the UK.
With a legacy of 50 years that has been credited with shaping not only the politics of his day but making a way for future South Asians in politics, he was a key figure in diversity and community representation.
With the hard work and dedication of not only recently appointed Mayors but those of past generations, it seems that the South Asian community will be increasingly included in the landscape of UK politics and community.
