City is 'most amazing place' says new lord mayor who became a brummie

BIRMINGHAM'S NEW LORD MAYOR SPOKE ABOUT OVERCOMING HIS OWN STRUGGLES AND HOW THE CITY WELCOMED HIM MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO 15:16, 21 May 2025 Birmingham’s new Lord Mayor has spoken of

overcoming personal struggles and how he wants to support the 'thousands of children who need help'. Zafar Iqbal, a Labour councillor for the Tyseley and Hay Mills ward, took up

the politically-neutral role in a ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, May 20. The roles of the Lord Mayor include representing the Birmingham community at formal ceremonies and on both joyous and

tragic occasions; welcoming dignitaries and chairing council meetings. READ MORE: BIRMINGHAM’S NEW LORD MAYOR ELECTED AS CEREMONY INTERRUPTED BY BIN STRIKE PROTESTERS They also champion

charitable and community causes across the city’s neighbourhoods. Addressing the council chamber room this week, Coun Iqbal spoke warmly about how much Birmingham meant to him and his

family. “While I was not born here, it has been home to me and my family for over 50 years,” he said. “It is the most amazing place in the world, attracting people like me from every corner

of the globe and turning them into Brummies. “Brummies have played a vital role in shaping not only our city but also the world." He said he planned to celebrate Birmingham in every

neighbourhood and help inspire the next generation of the city’s leaders over the next year. He also spoke of his acute dyslexia and how it both “restricted” and inspired him to help others.

“[There are] thousands of children in Birmingham who need help,” he said. “I know there are brilliant charities, community groups and volunteers who work tirelessly to support those with

disabilities and special needs. “Ultimately they need support from the state.” He said he wanted to do more to help charities and community groups support those with special needs across the

city during his time in the role. Coun Iqbal arrived in the city as a young child from the small village of Boha, Chakswari in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. Birmingham has been the place where he

built a life, raised a family and served his community. READ MORE: BIRMINGHAM ‘SO MUCH BIGGER THAN CITY COUNCIL’ - DEPARTING LORD MAYOR He went from learning English as a newcomer to the UK

while overcoming dyslexia to earning qualifications in management and health and social care. In his professional life, Coun Iqbal has worked across a range of sectors – from labouring and

factory work to delivering meals on wheels and supporting people with visual impairments. His commitment to public service was recognised in 2009 when he was made MBE by the late Queen for

services to education. “It is the greatest honour of my life to serve as Lord Mayor of Birmingham – a city that welcomed me, shaped me and gave me every opportunity to grow,” he added in a

statement issued that day. Article continues below “I hope my journey can inspire others to believe in themselves and in the power of perseverance, education, and community. “Birmingham is a

city of opportunity, compassion, and strength, and I look forward to promoting everything that makes it truly exceptional.”