Milestones: The first Muslim mayors of Brighton, Sandwell and Solihull

Elham Buaras, additional reporting by Hasan Patel

A series of notable appointments has resulted in the election of the first Muslim mayors in three English boroughs in the past month.

The first historic appointment took place on 14 May when Shahin Ashraf MBE became the first ethnic minority and first Muslim woman to be appointed Mayor of Solihull.

Ashraf, originally from Birmingham, was elected as a councilor in 2018 and was deputy leader of the Green Party. Her husband, Jehangir Malik OBE, will support her as the Mayor’s consort.

As a local councillor, Ashraf sits on various committees including the Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education, the Corporate Parent Council, the Governance Committee, the Joint Health Screening and Review Committee and the Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board.

“I sit here deeply humbled,” she told those gathered at the full council meeting, including her family and friends. “I promise to serve the neighborhood with dedication and integrity.”

Nominating her, Councilor Max McLoughlin, leader of the Greens group on Solihull Council, said: “Shahin will be the first Muslim and the first Muslim woman to be mayor of Solihull. This is something I know and Shahin knows, it comes with a greater level of focus and control than for many others who have worn the clothes before.”

Speaking exclusively to The Muslim News, Ashraf, who was made an MBE in 2015, said: “It is with great honor that I accept the responsibility of representing Solihull as the first ethnic minority and first female Muslim mayor. I hope my term as mayor will bring our diverse communities together for the common good. We can work together to show how Solihull has always been at the forefront of communities working together to make positive change for all.”

Two days later, on May 16, Mohammed Asaduzzaman, 63, became the first South Asian Muslim mayor of Brighton and Hove after receiving unanimous support from councillors.

Asaduzzaman has lived in Brighton for 30 years and was previously Minister of State for Irrigation and Water Development in Bangladesh. He also has a degree in political science.

The council’s Labor leader Bella Sankey praised Asaduzzaman’s commitment to the city. “Brighton and Hove can look forward to a Mayor whose compassion has already left a mark on the city’s social, cultural, economic and political landscape and whose role will inspire our residents to work better together and make our city the good,” said Sankey. .

Sankey highlighted Asaduzzaman’s outstanding contributions, including his selfless act of providing 500 free meals to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Asaduzzaman has advocated for access to vaccination for people of uncertain immigration status, served as an interpreter for those in need of legal assistance, and provided support to victims of crime.

Asaduzzaman, elected as a Labor councilor for the Hollingdean and Fiveways ward just last year, has chosen a number of local charities to support during his term as mayor. The chosen charities include BHT Sussex, Sussex Cricket Foundation, Chomp Brighton, My University Hospitals Sussex, Brighton Students’ Union and the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust.

Green councilor Raphael Hill said: “I would encourage the mayor to be aware of the politically neutral nature of his role as the mayor is separate from the administration. “I’m sure he will work hard to ensure all councilors can make their voices heard in the debate.”

The latest historic appointment took place on 21 May at Sandwell Council, where its councilors named Councilor Syeda Khatun as the first female Muslim mayor for the 2024-2025 term.

The inauguration ceremony held in Oldbury celebrated Khatun’s historic achievements as the first Bangladeshi woman elected in the region and the first Muslim woman to gain a seat on Sandwell Council since her initial election in 1999.

Khatun was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his contributions to community development. As mayor she chairs council meetings and attends various events within and beyond Sandwell. Expressing his gratitude and commitment, Khatun said: “This is a great privilege and honor and my promise to all is that I will keep this honor and make Sandwell proud. I feel very proud to represent everyone in Sandwell.”

Since 1986, Khatun has worked in various roles, including as a research/outreach worker and language support tutor. She led several voluntary organizations, initiated women’s and youth groups and advocated for environmental improvement.

In addition, she has worked as a youth worker, project manager and non-executive director. In 1999 she made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi woman elected in the Midlands and the first Muslim woman to win a seat on Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Her daughter, Syeda Hasna, will serve as mayor. Khatun plans to raise funds for two local charities: Acorns, which provides palliative care for children, and the Yemen Community Association’s Let’s Talk Hope project, which supports cancer patients.

Photo: This month saw a significant milestone as three English boroughs celebrated their inaugural Muslim mayors. Shahin Ashraf MBE now serves as Mayor of Solihull, Mohammed Asaduzzaman as Mayor of Brighton and Hove Council and Syeda Khatun MBE as Mayor of Sandwell Council. (Credit: Respective Councils)