Cllr Anjana Patel was officially appointed Mayor of Harrow at a special Mayor making ceremony at annual council last night, Thursday 15 May.
- Mayor Cllr Patel chooses unity and joy as her theme
- VIA and Samaritans are Mayors chosen charities
- Council paid tribute and thanks outgoing Mayor, Cllr Salim Chowdhury
Cllr Anjana Patel was officially appointed Mayor of Harrow at a special Mayor making ceremony at annual council last night, Thursday 15 May. The former Mayor Cllr Salim Chowdhury handed over the reigns and Mayoral chains to the new Mayor of Harrow.
She (Cllr Patel) becomes Harrow’s 73rd Mayor, and the UK’s first British Tanzanian/Indian born Mayor. Passionate about bringing people together and bringing joy to communities, Cllr Patel’s theme for this year is ‘kindness, caring and respect’. Her chosen charities are VIA who help people affected by alcohol and drugs and Samaritans who offer emotional support in times of need.
Cllr Patel is no stranger to Harrow. She moved to Harrow in 2000. She first became a Cllr in 2002 in the West Harrow Ward 8 years until 2010. For the last 7 years she has been representing the Belmont ward. She has served as cabinet member for Community and culture, and schools and Children’s Development between 2006 and 2010. In 2022 she was appointed cabinet member for environment and community safety.
Some of her highlights during this time include holding the first day of action, driving forward tough enforcement action on fly-tipping and littering, and also working with schools to educate them on street cleansing. Over the years, Cllr Patel has received recognition for her work in the community including,
Away from politics and council business, Cllr Patel loves theatre and concerns. She is a mother to two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren whom she loves dearly and spends a lot of time with.
Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel said:
“It’s an honour and privilege to be appointed Mayor of Harrow.
“As deputy Mayor, I met many residents and organisations who do amazing thing in Harrow – and I am proud to serve a diverse and vibrant borough. My theme is about kindness, caring and respect.
“This year is a special year as we mark our diamond jubilee - and I look forward to celebrating 60 years of our history, culture and heritage.
“I would like to thank the outgoing mayor, and I will build on his legacy to bringing people together. I encourage everyone to support my charities, Via and Samaritans who carry out vital work to help those most in need. I look forward to meeting many of our residents and community groups over the next year.”
During the Mayor making ceremony, Rupesh Patel, was appointed Consort to the Mayor. Cllr Yogesh Teli was appointed the Deputy Mayor of Harrow.