News, Politics

First-ever female African Lord Mayor elected in Nottingham

By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter

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Cllr Patience Ifediora has been elected as Nottingham’s first-ever female Lord Mayor with an African background.

A new Lord Mayor and Sheriff for the city were chosen at a Full Council meeting on Monday (May 12).

Cllr Ifediora, who represents the Aspley ward, has been chosen as Lord Mayor, succeeding Cllr Carole McCulloch.

Cllr Neghat Khan, leader of the council, said Cllr McCulloch had brought “pride and energy” to the role, before welcoming Cllr Ifediora to the position.

“Today we make history again,” she said.

“With this nomination we are poised to elect Nottingham’s first councillor of African background as Lord Mayor.

“That matters. Not just to Patience – but to all of us.

“Nottingham is a proud, diverse city. A city of inclusion, of community, a city that values everyone. At a time when too many seek to divide, today, we stand together.

“Patience is no stranger to breaking new ground. In 2015 she became the first African woman elected to this council. In 2019 the first African councillor to serve as Sheriff of Nottingham, and in 2022 the first woman vice-chair of our fire and rescue service. Now, today, she steps forward to make history once more.”

Cllr Zafran Khan, for Wollaton West, became the Sheriff of Nottingham, taking over from Cllr Liaqat Ali.

Fellow ward councillor Steve Battlemuch (Lab) said: “The role of Sheriff is one known around the world, thanks to its relationship with our best-ever symbol of Nottingham, Robin Hood.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to him taking up this role.

“I know he will do it with pride, with energy, and with a smile. We, as the custodians of Robin Hood, will keep him in order and ensure he will always remain on the side of the people.”

Cllr Neghat Khan said her brother, Zafran, had been inspired by their father, Gul Khan, who has served the Dales ward since 2003.

Their father was a miner at Gedling Colliery for 20 years, as well as an NCT conductor, before he became a councillor.

He too has stood as Lord Mayor.

“He hasn’t stopped talking about how he will use the role of Sheriff to promote our city, not just across the country but to the world,” Cllr Neghat Khan added.

Some changes were also made to the executive – senior councillors who are responsible for various departments.

Cllr Khan will remain as leader and executive member for strategic regeneration, property and communications.

Cllr Jay Hayes will continue as executive member for housing and planning, Cllr Cheryl Barnard will remain in her position as executive member for children, young people and education, and Cllr Corall Jenkins will carry on in the position of executive member for neighbourhoods, waste and equalities.

Cllr Sam Lux will only continue as the executive member for climate and energy until June this year, when her duties will be given to another member while she goes on parental leave.

Meanwhile Cllr Ethan Radford, the deputy leader, has taken on the role of executive member for finance from Cllr Linda Woodings.

Cllr Woodings is now the executive member for regional development, growth, and transport.

Cllr Helen Kalsi, who represents Bilborough, is the executive member for adult social care and health, after Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis resigned from this role in February.

During the meeting Stuart Fair was appointed the corporate director for finance, having held the position on an interim basis beforehand.