Kirklees Council

03/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/26/2024 09:49

History to be made with the 50th Mayor of Kirklees

Councillor Nosheen Dad, who is currently the Deputy Mayor, will become the youngest ever Mayor of Kirklees at a ceremony in May.

She will also become the first woman of colour and first Muslim woman to hold the role.

Councillor Dad, said:

"I've had a fantastic year as Deputy Mayor meeting many fantastic people across Kirklees.

"I am truly humbled and honoured to be the youngest and first female Asian Mayor of our great district. I hope to amplify the voices of everyone in Kirklees, to celebrate the work, community cohesion and the selflessness of people that sometimes goes unnoticed.

"I am looking forward to meeting many individuals and groups that make Kirklees a great place to live, work and raise a family."

Councillor Dad will be joined by her husband Shiraz who will be the Mayor's Consort.

Councillor Elizabeth Smaje will be joining the Civic Team as Deputy Mayor for 2024/25.

Councillor Smaje, said:

"It is an honour to be joining the civic team in the important role of Deputy Mayor. I look forward to supporting the Mayor during her term in office and to meeting people and groups in the many communities throughout the Borough."

Who are Councillor Nosheen Dad and Councillor Elizabeth Smaje?

Councillor Dad was elected to the Dewsbury South ward in 2015. As councillor she has served on the Appeal Panel. She has also been appointed to outside bodies including the Walker and Greenwood Educational Charity and the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).

Cllr Smaje was elected to the Birstall and Birkenshaw ward in 2004. As councillor she is Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee in Kirklees, Chair of the West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and joint chair of the Calderdale and Kirklees Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. She also sits on the Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The new civic team for Kirklees will take office at the Mayor Making ceremony on Wednesday 22 May.

The ceremony will be held at Huddersfield Town Hall at 12.30 pm, and everyone is welcome to come along to watch. Anyone attending should arrive at Huddersfield Town Hall via Princess Street and be seated by 12.20pm.