Sandwell Council has named its first female Muslim mayor. Councillor Syeda Khatun will serve as mayor for the 2024-25 year.
She was awarded an MBE in the 2004 New Year Honours for her services to community development in Sandwell.
“This is a great privilege and honour and my promise to all is that I will uphold this honour and make Sandwell proud,” Ms. Khatun said, Ms. Khatun addressed a complete council assembly on Tuesday. “I am Sandwell’s first female Muslim mayor which helps to reflect our diverse population in the borough and I feel very proud to be representing everyone in Sandwell.”
“I want to wish every success to the leader, councillor Kerrie Carmichael, her cabinet and all councillors new and old across the chamber whatever their political allegiance,” she said. “I would also like to thank the outgoing mayoral team for all their hard work over the last year.”
Following a ceremony in Oldbury on Tuesday, Councillor Syeda Khatun will assume the role of mayor for the 2024-25 term. Initially elected in 1999, she achieved the distinction of being the first Bangladeshi woman elected in the Midlands region and the first Muslim woman to hold a seat on Sandwell Council. In recognition of her contributions to community development in Sandwell, she was bestowed with an MBE in the 2004 New Year Honours.
“This is a great privilege and honour and my promise to all is that I will uphold this honour and make Sandwell proud,” Ms. Khatun told a full council meeting on Tuesday. “I am Sandwell’s first female Muslim mayor which helps to reflect our diverse population in the borough and I feel very proud to be representing everyone in Sandwell.”
“I want to wish every success to the leader, councillor Kerrie Carmichael, her cabinet and all councillors new and old across the chamber whatever their political allegiance,” she said. “I would also like to thank the outgoing mayoral team for all their hard work over the last year.”
Her daughter, Syeda Hasna, will take on the role of mayoress. The mayor plans to raise funds for the children’s charity Acorns, which provides palliative care and support to children with life-limiting conditions, and for the Yemeni Community Association’s Let’s Talk Hope project.
Councillor Steve Melia, representing the Great Barr with Yew Tree ward, was named deputy mayor at the ceremony, with his sister, Val Thacker, serving as deputy mayoress.
Councillor Steve Melia, representing the Great Barr with Yew Tree ward, was named deputy mayor at the ceremony, with his sister, Val Thacker, serving as deputy mayoress.
Appreciation was also expressed to the outgoing mayor, councillor Bill Gavan, and deputy mayor, councillor Elaine Giles.
