“The People” Bhupen Dave becomes the new Lord Mayor of Leicester

A man who has dedicated his life to politics and council work has been handed the chains of office to become Leicester’s new mayor. Councilor Bhupen Dave, who represents the city’s Rushey Mead ward, will serve as Lord Mayor of Leicester until May 2025.

Born in Uganda, Coun Dave was among the many Asians who came to Leicester in the early 1970s after dictator Idi Amin expelled the African country’s Indian population. After studying at the universities of Bristol and Southampton, he came to work for Leicestershire County Council as a social worker, later joining Leicester City Council where he became director of community care.

His first role as a councilor came in 1983, when he was first elected in the Highfields and later the Belgrave wards of the city. He was deputy leader of the town council for many years and was also a local councilor for Oadby & Wigston Borough Council from 2012 to 2019.

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He was re-elected to Leicester City Council in May 2023. He described himself as a “people person” and has been behind many community and business projects in the city over the years. As well as being a founder member and chairman of the ASRA Housing Association – which provided specialist housing for vulnerable older people – he also supported youth provision and accommodation for vulnerable women and children with special needs.

He was instrumental in establishing twinning links between Leicester and the city of Rajkot in India and was also a trustee and director for many charities and community organisations. He said: “I am honored to serve Leicester as Lord Mayor.

“Throughout my life, I have always promoted community harmony by treating all communities fairly and equally. I look forward to working with people from all walks of life to promote Leicester as a beacon of good community relations.”

Lord Mayor is a ceremonial role held by a different city councilor each year. Their role is separate from that of the city mayor, who deals with the day-to-day running of the city council and the creation of new policies.

The city’s mayor, Peter Soulsby, said: “In over 50 years of mayoral involvement, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Bhupen to this role as he has been a personal friend for over 40 years. I remember him approaching me when he was setting up ASRA Housing, which I was very excited to support. I wish him well in his year as Lord Mayor of Leicester.”

Councilor Dave is married to Usha, who will support him as Lady Mayoress throughout the year. They have two sons, a grandson and a granddaughter. Teresa Aldred will be the new Deputy Mayor, while Manjula Sood will remain High Bailiff.