The City of Preston in Lancashire county of northern England has chosen Yakub Patel, a native of Gujarat, to serve as its first Indian-origin Muslim mayor for the years 2023–2024. Patel will preside over council meetings in his new position and serve as the ceremonial head at events while in office.
He was first elected as a Labour Party Councillor for Avenham Ward of the city in 1995, becoming the first Muslim councillor in the history of Preston City Council.
Welcome to @cllryakubpatel as the new @PrestonMayor for 2023/24 along with his wife, Rashida as Mayoress
— Preston City Council (@prestoncouncil) May 18, 2023
Cllr Phil Crowe is the new Deputy Mayor
Thank you to everyone who attended making it a lovely ceremony
📸Michael Porter Photography pic.twitter.com/iVfMAZvtvV
“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,” the city council said in a statement.
“…It gives me great pleasure to be handing over the chains of office to the Mayor-elect, Councillor Yakub Patel. The last year has been the most outstanding experience of my life and it has been a huge honour to have been the Mayor of our fabulous city,” outgoing Mayor Darby tweeted.
This evening it gives me great pleasure to be handing over the chains of office to the Mayor-elect, Councillor Yakub Patel. The last year has been the most outstanding experience of my life and it has been a huge honour to have been the Mayor of our fabulous city. pic.twitter.com/8t3SQBDZ7w
— Preston Mayor (@PrestonMayor) May 17, 2023
Since May of last year, Patel has been the deputy mayor of Preston in the UK. This week, he officially assumed the position of mayor for 2023 and 2024.
The mayor of Preston speaks on behalf of the city and is a significant component of its identity because he serves as the city's first citizen. In addition, he stands in for local residents on civic and formal occasions.
Yakub was born in the city of Bharuch (formerly known as 'Broach' by the British ) in India. He graduated from the M.S. University of Baroda with a BA and MA in English Literature; came to the UK in June 1976, got married and has lived in the Frenchwood area ever since with his family, children and grandchildren.
