Ali highlights community cohesion and support for children in social care during his tenure
Category: Politics
Councillor Shaukat Ali was officially sworn in as the 128th Lord Mayor of Manchester on May 20, 2023, during a poignant ceremony marked by personal loss. Ali, who previously was Deputy Lord Mayor, took over the ceremonial role from Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, expressing that his appointment was a "deeply emotional" moment, especially as he paid tribute to his late mother, who passed away just a day before his inauguration.
Ali's ascent to Manchester's highest civic office is a remarkable story of resilience and dedication. Born in Pakistan in 1965, he grew up in the Kashmiri village of Batli before moving to Manchester at age 16, where he spoke very little English. His early years were filled with hard work; he initially found employment in textile manufacturing and later ventured into entrepreneurship by running a furniture business and a small food outlet. He also spent several years as a licensed taxi driver in Manchester, a role that allowed him to engage with the community.
During his time as a taxi driver, Ali pursued education in the evenings, eventually earning an IT diploma from City College Manchester. His commitment to education and self-improvement reflects the values he intends to champion during his mayoral term. "Manchester has been my home, and it has provided me with everything I have today," he said in his maiden speech. "I am proud to champion our city and celebrate the diversity, resilience, and community spirit that make Manchester so special."
Ali's election as a councillor for Cheetham in 2012 marked the beginning of his political career, a decade during which he has served on key committees, including planning and highways, children's scrutiny, and neighbourhood services. His extensive experience in local government positions him well to address the challenges faced by Manchester's communities.
The Lord Mayor's position is largely ceremonial, lacking the political power held by the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Nevertheless, Ali's role involves chairing full council meetings and representing Manchester at various official functions, engagements, and charity events. His focus for the upcoming year will be on supporting children in social care and strengthening community cohesion across the city, priorities he believes are integral to Manchester's future.
Ali’s commitment to community service was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when he volunteered with the Rainbow Surprise charity, delivering food to vulnerable individuals in North Manchester. This experience reinforced his belief in the power of collaboration, mutual respect, and hard work to unite people.
As Ali embarks on his mayoral year, he aims to leverage his platform to advocate for the city's diverse communities and to recognize the contributions of various organizations and individuals to Manchester's success. His focus on children in social care is particularly timely, as many families continue to navigate the repercussions of the pandemic.
Ali's vision for Manchester aligns with the city's rich cultural fabric, where people from various backgrounds coexist and contribute to a vibrant community. In his inaugural address, he remarked, "Manchester is a city built on diversity, culture, and fairness. It’s a city where people from every background, culture, faith, and belief live side by side, contributing to the rich fabric that makes Manchester truly special."
The support of his family, including his wife Kausar Parveen, who will serve as Lady Mayoress, is a source of strength for Ali as he navigates his responsibilities. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the people of Manchester and emphasized the importance of community involvement in his initiatives.
Looking ahead, Ali's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and support within the city will be closely watched. His leadership comes at a time when Manchester seeks to strengthen its community ties and address pressing social issues. Ali's personal story resonates with many in the city, embodying the spirit of perseverance and unity.
As Ali settles into his role, he will undoubtedly face challenges, but his dedication to service and community engagement will guide his efforts. The upcoming months will reveal how he translates his vision into action, particularly in regard to his focus on children and community cohesion. With his extensive background and personal experiences, Ali is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact during his tenure as Lord Mayor.
Ali's first major public engagement is expected to take place at the annual Manchester Day event, scheduled for June 18, 2023, where he will have the opportunity to connect with residents and showcase the city's diversity.