Gujarat-Born Councillor Becomes New Mayor Of Preston In North England

Yakub Patel, a Gujarat-born councillor and an active member of the local community has been elected as the new Mayor of Preston, a city in Lancashire county in northern England that has had a mayor since the 14th century.

Patel, who was born in Gujarat’s Bharuch district, migrated to the United Kingdom after graduating from the University of Baroda in 1976.

He was originally elected as a Labour Party Councillor for Preston’s Avenham Ward in 1995, making him the city’s first Muslim councillor.

The Preston City Council said, “Yakub has always been involved with local voluntary and community organisations”.

“His focus has always been to make a positive difference in the community in which he lives. Yakub’s passions in life are his family and the community he represents”, Preston City Council added.

The community leader is claimed to have been involved in politics from the age of 10 when he began campaigning and delivering flyers for his late father, who was a staunch supporter and member of India’s Congress Party led by former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Patel has been the Deputy Mayor of Preston since May of last year and, he took formal responsibility as the Mayor for 2023-24 this week, as is customary.

Preston’s mayor serves as the city’s first citizen, which means they speak on the city’s behalf and are a significant component of its identity. They also represent the inhabitants of the area at civic and ceremonial occasions.

As Preston City Councillors, they are elected to represent the communities, and after serving as Deputy Mayor for a year, they step up at the following Annual Council to serve as Mayor for a year.

In recognition of the work done by these institutions for the people of Preston, Patel has chosen to assist Rosemere Cancer, Preston Domestic Violence Services and homelessness support charity Emmaus throughout his mayoral tenure.

Patel has a strong connection to the city, where he started his career in 1979 with Preston Corporation. He worked as a Revenue Inspector, Traffic Inspector, Assistant Chief, Chief Inspector, and Operations Manager before retiring in July 2009.

He has held numerous positions with Preston Bus, the city’s bus company, including the Board of Directors, Health and Safety Representative, and Chairman of ACTS Union.

He is a co-opted member of Preston Jamea Mosque as well as Preston Muslim Burial Society.

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