LONDON
The Swindon Council in the UK got its first-ever Indian and Goan deputy mayor, when Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh was appointed to the second highest post in the council on Friday.
The annual general meeting to appoint the mayor and deputy mayor to the Swindon Council took place on Friday and Shaikh received overall majority across the chamber for his appointment.
Imtiyaz, who hails from Vasco, has been serving in the Swindon Council for two terms.
Incidentally, his wife, Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, got re-elected in the local Borough elections in Central Ward Swindon on May 4 and she has also been included in the Council cabinet with the portfolio for education.
By virtue of Imtiyaz being elected deputy mayor, his wife, Adorabelle, will now be referred to as Deputy Mayoress.
Barbara Parry was appointed as Mayor of Swindon Council and Imtiyaz will be her deputy with no specific portfolio assigned to him.
When contacted, Imtiyaz Shaikh said he was delighted to be given this senior responsibility in the Swindon Council.
“Words fall short, I am privileged and honoured to be appointed as the first Goan and Indian origin Deputy Mayor of Swindon for 2023-24,” said a jubilant Imtiyaz.
“I look forward to working with all communities in Swindon to bring positive change which is much needed.”
“Thank you to the South Swindon Labour Party, my fellow Swindon Labour Councillors and fellow Councillors of the Chamber for appointing me today as the Deputy Mayor in Swindon. Thank you to all my ward residents, my family and friends for always showing the love and support,” he added.
