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Councillor Mohammed Afzal Khan
Councillor Mohammed Afzal Khan is the first Asian Lord Mayor of
Manchester
Coun Khan was born in Pakistan and moved to the small Lancashire town of
Brierfield when he was 12 years old. He started his working life as a
labourer in a mill and later became a weaver. On moving to Manchester he
resumed his education and completed his A Levels at Abraham Moss College.
During this time, he worked as a bus driver and then as a youth worker in
Cheetham Hill before joining Greater Manchester Police, where he served as
a police constable. Here his interest in law was stirred and he pursued a
law degree. He began his career as a solicitor and has now practised law
for many years and is a senior partner at a Manchester law firm.
Councillor Khan was elected to represent Cheetham ward in 2000 and has
served on Social Strategy and Finance and General Purpose committees at
Manchester City Council. He has also acted as lead member for Race
Equality and an assistant executive member for Finance and Personnel.
Councillor Khan recognises the importance of giving equal worth to all
religions and faiths in the city and has made the decision to appoint a
chaplaincy. This will be made up of representatives of the city's major
faiths in recognition of Manchester's diversity.
He has been involved in Interfaith work in the Manchester area for 20
years and is a trustee for Manchester Immigration Needs, which assists
political asylum seekers and refugees.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Khan, said: "I am honoured to be made Lord
Mayor. I am looking forward to meeting more of the city's residents
throughout my year in office and strive to be a model representative for
this vibrant city. I am committed to social inclusion and hope to further
enhance the city's residents' quality of life."
The Lady Mayoress is Dr Shkeela Kayani JP. Shkeela was educated in
Manchester and runs her own dental practice. She also serves the community
as a magistrate. The couple have been married for 26 years and have three
children. She is a devoted mother and loves spending time with her family.
When she has free time Shkeela enjoys shopping.
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