1st Muslim Mayor of Northampton Nazim Iftikhar Choudary

Birmingham: An event was held at the Guildhall St Giles Square, to celebrate the election of Nazim Ifhtikar Choudhry as Lord Mayor of Northampton. The event was hosted by Iftikhar Ahmed Choudary. The role of First Citizen of Northampton was passed from Councillor Tony Ansell to Councillor Nazim Choudary, who became the First Muslim and the 779th Mayor of Northampton during the historic ceremony. Born in Yorkshire, Councillor Choudary moved to Northampton in 1997, when he settled in the town with his family, contributing to local politics, the community as well as supporting the family business. Nazim became a member of Northampton Borough Council in 2011, when he was elected to represent St David’s and Kingsthorpe. He is recognised in the Borough Council for his enthusiasm, relatable personality and boundless energy and has worked on both the Licensing and Planning Committees, as well as being a founding member of Northampton Partnership Homes. Nazim will be one of Northampton’s youngest Mayors and as such looks forward to not only representing the traditional values of the Mayoralty but also providing a diverse representation for the younger generation. Nazim’s Mayoral year will be dedicated to talking to businesses and the community about how they can have a positive effect on climate change. Councillor Nazim Choudary said: “I am hugely honoured, excited and humbled to become the 779th Mayor of Northampton. I am also incredibly proud to have my mother Maroof Iftikhar as my Mayoress.“I have chosen The Lowdown as the charity I will support during my Mayoral year. The charity provides vital support services to children and young adults in Northamptonshire. My aim is “to help increase awareness of these crucial services and to raise much-needed funds to ensure the service continues in the future”. Also present were Deputy Mayor Councillor Brian W Sargeant, Deputy Mayoress Ray Kelly, Leader of the Council Councillor Phil Larratt, Deputy Leader of the Council Councillor Stephen Hibbert, The Deputy Mayor of Worcester Councillor Allah Ditta, Nadeem Iftikhar Choudary, Sajid Yousaf, Irfan Choudary, and others. Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.