The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Munir Ahmed was formally elected to the position in May.
On becoming the borough’s ‘first citizen’ he proudly said: “I feel privileged to serve in Ealing, the borough has given me so much.”
The Worshipful Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Munir Ahmed has been a Labour councillor for Perivale ward since 2014 and a member of several committees, including planning, licensing and health and adult social services. He has also chaired the governors at Vicars Green Primary school in Perivale for almost 15 years.
As mayor, Councillor Ahmed is responsible for civic ceremonial duties within the borough and will attend a wide range of events and key functions, such as Remembrance Day services and greeting any members of the royal family visiting the borough.
Inspiration
“When I first came to Ealing, I had senior people in my community who guided me, and showed me the best way to live life,” said Councillor Ahmed. “I learned the importance of legacy. How to raise my children, build my business and work life – this was an inspiration.
“I thought that if there were people before me that helped me to be where I am, then it’s my responsibility to help the next generation. So, I decided, having been successful in my business and family life, that it is my duty to now give back and serve the community.”
Proud family man
The mayor of Ealing is a very proud family man and he spoke fondly of his five children who are all university graduates, with one daughter graduating just this year.
His wife Fakhirah is his mayoral consort and has been accompanying him as mayoress; and he said: “I am thankful to her for being with me, for her love and support, and for raising our now fully grown children all these years. It was lot of hard work.”
His youngest daughter Alveena is also his consort and will accompany him when required.
Meanwhile, he is being assisted in his duties by Councillor Mohinder Midha, who has been appointed deputy mayor.
‘I am always here for people in the community’
Councillor Ahmed is a graduate in business management from Thames Valley University, now known as the University of West London, in Ealing. He worked as a successful business owner for more than two decades, before passing the business on to his first son.
He explained: “I decided to retire, and hand over the business to my son, so there would be no conflict of interest in serving the community. This way I could give my full time to politics and be available for the people of Ealing.
“Since serving as a councillor, I have always kept my emails open. I never have a message that says I am unavailable, I am always here for people in the community.
Serving a diverse borough
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet different faith organisations, and voluntary groups,” he said. “There are so many diverse ethnicities in Ealing. This is the beautiful thing about Ealing.”
He added: “There is a lot of misunderstanding about what the council does. I want to help residents to understand the council better. People are not familiar with local government and how the system actually works, what councillors do, and how they can get help from their local representatives. I would like to spread as much information about this as I can, and meet as many people and organisations as possible.”
Helping families in Ealing
Home Start is the mayor’s chosen charity for this financial year, 2021/22. The charity has provided invaluable support and friendship to families in the borough since 1996 and continues to achieve positive outcomes for hundreds of families living in the community.
Councillor Ahmed said: “As we are just coming out of the pandemic, Home Start is the best choice of charity to help families. Especially those who have suffered during this difficult period, whether it’s through domestic issues, mental health issues, partnership issues, caring for children or challenges as single parents.
“There are a lot of issues to be dealt with, and I think Home Start is the best charity to help people who are in need. I will be encouraging as many people as possible through the charity. I am also hoping to run a fundraising event to raise money for the charity.”
Over the coming weeks and months, the mayor of Ealing will be in attendance in formal robe and chain (as seen in this picture), to preside over citizenship ceremonies, and community meetings, as well as chairing meetings at full council.
If you see him when you are out and about, say hello because he wants to hear from you. He is here to serve the community.
Photo © Henrique Maia 2021
