New Mayor of Harrow elected

The borough's new first citizen has lived in Harrow for 32 years. He was first elected to the Council in 2002 and has represented Kenton West and Edgware wards.  

His chosen charities are Harrow Mencap and Harrow Association of Disabled People, with all money raised during his year in office going to help support their work. 

Mayor Cllr Choudhury was born in Chaitanyapur, an Indian village in West Bengal . He moved to London in 1962 to study electrical engineering before taking a job at British Telecom, where he worked until taking early retirement in 1990.  

Mayor Cllr Choudhury's wife Rama will accompany him on engagements as Mayoress. The couple have a son who is married and lives in Hong Kong . Their first grandchild is due this summer. 

In his spare time he enjoys walking, watching cricket, football and athletics, writing poetry and practising yoga and meditation. 

His first appointment as mayor will be a visit to Harrow Light Opera Company on 11th May.   

The Mayor said:  

"It is a real honour to be elected Mayor of Harrow and I am looking forward to carrying out my duties over the next year. 

"I have always been very involved in the community and the thing I am looking forward to the most is meeting the people who live and work in our diverse borough.  

"I also hope to raise lots of money for these very important charities. I hope I can help to raise their profile and highlight the excellent work they do for so many people across Harrow. 

"It will be a tough job though; Cllr Asad Omar attended over 600 functions last year. I told him he has set me a very high target but I will do my very best to match him!" 

Councillor Nizam Ismail was elected Deputy Mayor, and his wife Zahafaran Deputy Mayoress.  

Tributes were paid to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Asad Omar. During his year in office he raised nearly £17,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action and £62,000 for his Pakistan Flood Appeal, which is helping to build homes for those made homeless by last year's disaster.