Bolton Appoints First Ever Muslim Mayor

In another milestone for Muslims in the UK, Cllr Akhtar Zaman been elected as the mayor of Bolton, becoming first Muslim and first person of Asian descent to be selected for that post.

Zaman, who represents Halliwell, took over the role on Wednesday from outgoing Mayor Cllr Linda Thomas.

Speaking in an emotional ceremony, the new Muslim mayor said the new role is the culmination of a long journey that started in a small village in Pakistan.

Earlier this month, West Sussex’s Worthing Borough appointed councilor Henna Chowdhury as the borough’s first female Muslim mayor.

Also in May Westminster city council declared 22-Year-old Hamza Taouzzale as the first ever Muslim lord mayor.

The city of Preston also elected Councillor Javed Iqbal as its first Muslim mayor in May 2021.