In London, a 23-year-old politician representing a local council in the East of England has made history by becoming the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the UK.
Tushar Kumar, a former politics student at King’s College London, was sworn in as Mayor of Elstree and Boreham Wood at a ceremony last week.
The Labor councilor joins Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council in 2023, having previously served as deputy mayor.
Kumar said in a statement after the ceremony: “Last night I was deeply honored to officially become the Mayor of Elstree and Boreham Wood, becoming at the age of 23 the youngest mayor of Indian origin in the history of the UK.”
He said: “I am truly humbled by the trust placed in me and so grateful for all the support, kindness and encouragement I have received throughout my journey. “Thanks to everyone who attended the Mayoral Installation Ceremony at Fairway Hall and to everyone who has supported me over the years – from residents, community organizations and fellow councillors, to my family and friends who have always believed in me.”
He expressed his gratitude to former Mayor Dan Ozarow for his service and guidance during his tenure as deputy mayor and welcomed Councilmember Linda Smith as his new deputy mayor.
“I look forward to working closely in the coming year to serve our community. As mayor, I hope to focus on community events, support local organizations and charities, and inspire more young people to get involved in public service and community life. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the town I love,” he added.
As one of London’s youngest MPs elected as a student, Kumar believes “real change starts at community level”.
He said: “Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council has given me a platform to listen, represent and act to make a difference where it really matters, close to home.”
Kumar credits the Civic Leadership Institute at King’s College London with helping him improve his confidence and public speaking skills. While studying at the University of London’s School of Political Science, he also gained experience in the University’s Officers’ Training Corps.
“My time at King’s College played an important role in shaping my values and commitment to public service, and I hope my story can inspire other students to consider leadership and local impact as a path worth pursuing,” Kumar said.
“I have extensive experience in policy, education and research, including working as a policy adviser at the Department for Work and Pensions and as a research analyst for national LGBTQ charities. I am passionate about youth empowerment and education, which has led me to support literacy initiatives through the Bookmark Reading charity.
“I enjoy volunteering, organizing inclusive community events and advocating for access to public services,” he added.
Kumar has chosen WD6 Food Support, a volunteer network that helps the community’s needy residents, as the focus charity of his mayoralty.
The role of the local council mayor is steeped in tradition and ceremony, serving as the senior representative for the area and carrying out the official ‘chain of duties’.
The mayor’s many activities serve as a link between various groups and organizations in the town. They can share the community’s views and concerns with the council and convey the council’s messages to the community. PT AK ZH
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