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Manchester Town Appoints First Female Muslim Mayor

Achieving a new milestone in her political career, Shaheena Haroon has been elected as the mayor of Bury, Greater Manchester, a decade after making history as first female Muslim councilor in the town’s history.

“I am extremely honored to become the mayor of Bury. I am looking forward to my new role over the year ahead,” Cllr Haroon said, Bury Times reported.

She added, “I love meeting people from all walks of life. This is a great opportunity to meet people from all Bury’s diverse communities.

📚 Read Also:  Bolton Appoints First Ever Muslim Mayor

Cllr Haroon took the new office from the Holyrood councilor Tim Pickstone at the annual Bury Council meeting.

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Her appointment follows the line of Muslim women who have achieved new political successes recently in England.

Tafheen Sharif was elected in May, 2022, as the first Asian Muslim British Pakistani woman has been elected deputy mayor of Tameside, a metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester.

Also in May, West Sussex’s Worthing Borough appointed councilor Henna Chowdhury as the borough’s first female Muslim mayor.

Joy

People went to social media to welcome the appointment of mayor Haroon.

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New Dreams

Born in Pakistan, Cllr Haroon began her political career in 1983, supporting the homeless and unemployed and advocating for women’s rights.

She moved to the UK in 1999 and received the title of Bury Woman of the Year in 2010.

Taking the new role, the mayor’s charities will be Bury Veterans Hub, Jigsaw, Bury Hospice, Jinnah Day Care Centre and Bury Defence Academy.

“I’m also looking forward to encouraging and supporting local charities and promoting local businesses, attending local community events, youth groups and activities, as well as championing the borough and representing the council at official functions,” she said.

Imam Hassanat Ahmed from Noor Ul Islam Mosque will take the role as the Mayor’s Chaplain.