Goemkarponn Desk
SWINDON: Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh (48) became the first Indian and Goan Mayor of the Swindon Borough Council on Friday, which was a huge boost to the large Goan community in Swindon, UK.
Mayor Shaikh succeeds Councillor Barbara Parry, the outgoing mayor of Swindon, having previously held the position of deputy mayor. Adorabelle-Amaral Shaikh, his spouse, is a councillor at the Swindon Council, by the way.
Shaikh, who relocated to Swindon from Vasco in 2005, will hold this position for a full year.
The Swindon Borough Council said on social media that Swindon is immensely proud of its vibrant Goan community.
In a special ceremony today, Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh was elected as Swindon’s first Indian and Goan mayor. In addition to representing the local community and local democracy, the Mayor represents the Council in a number of civic responsibilities.
Additionally, the Swindon Borough Council stated, “The Mayor is supporting two local charities this year.” Through fun activities and sports mentoring, the small, registered charity “BEST – Be a Better You” helps at-risk kids between the ages of 11 and 25.
“Changing Suits is a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the stories of ethnic minorities and South Asians.”
Imtiyaz Shaikh, the Labour member for Eastcott who was initially elected in 2018, reportedly assumed office during the formal annual meeting of Swindon Borough Council, as per a report published in the Swindon Advertiser.
“The Goan council member did so in front of a chamber filled with members of his family, friends, and community leaders, in addition to other council members and local and county dignitaries,” the report said.
