The city of Preston has formally welcomed Councillor Javed Iqbal as its 693^rd Mayor and the first Muslim to hold the role.

His appointment as Mayor comes after Councillor David Borrow held the role for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We have a new Mayor! pic.twitter.com/LJtXo9XpOJ

— Preston Labour (@prestonlabour) May 19, 2021

Councillor Iqbal served as Deputy Mayor throughout 2020/21 and has now become the Mayor following the completion of Councillor Borrow’s term in office.

Read more: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity launch first ever Children’s Appeal to benefit Royal Preston Hospital

Born in Pakistan, Councillor Iqbal first moved to the UK in 1968 where he completed his schooling at Brockholes School and Moor Park Avenue’s Sixth Form College.

After a career with the Royal Mail as well as serving in the Territorial Army, Councillor Iqbal was elected to Preston City Council in 2007 representing the St Matthew’s Ward.

He has sat on a number of committees including covering different aspects of the Council’s work including the Planning Committee where he has been Chair since 2017.

A historic day for @prestoncouncil as Cllr Javid Iqbal becomes the city’s 1st ever Muslim mayor and our very own @Neil4Preston becomes deputy mayor

Congratulations to @PrestonMayor David Borrow on a dedicated two years pic.twitter.com/59PIJkBXAe

— 🔶 Preston&WyreLibDems 🔶 (@PrestonLibDems) May 19, 2021

Councillor Javed Iqbal said: “It is a privilege and an honour to become the Mayor of Preston – a city that means a great deal to me and where my family and I have lived for many years.

“Being the first Muslim Mayor of Preston is a fitting acknowledgement to our multicultural city and how it continues to grow with people of different races, religions and backgrounds living and working together to bring diversity and vibrancy to where we live.

“Throughout my life I have sought to make a positive difference to the community and to provide a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. It has been a privilege to serve on Preston City Council and it is an immense honour to now become the Mayor of Preston.”   

Read more: Those aged 38 and 39 in Preston and Lancashire to receive text for first Covid vaccine 

He also sits on the Board of Governors at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Councillor Iqbal has selected Preston Domestic Violence Services and Heartbeat as his mayoral charities.

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