Yasmine Dar, a proud Mancunian, has made history as Manchester’s first Asian woman to assume the esteemed position of Lord Mayor.
On Wednesday, Councillor Dar, representing Moston as a member of the Labour party, was elected as the city’s 125th Lord Mayor during a ceremony at the town hall.
Although born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Councillor Dar has resided in Manchester for over 50 years. Her extensive professional background includes working as a welfare rights adviser and social worker, as well as establishing a charity dedicated to supporting young individuals.
Her brother, Majid, a former Manchester councillor, will serve as the Lord Mayor’s consort, while her daughter, Amina, will assume the role of Lady Mayoress.
During the annual council meeting at Manchester Town Hall, the newly appointed Lord Mayor, who proudly identifies as a socialist, expressed her heartfelt connection to the city, stating that while she was born in Doncaster, she considers herself “made in Manchester.”
Having moved to the city at the age of three, Councillor Dar’s early experiences in supporting others were shaped by her mother’s textile and haberdashery business, which served as a community hub. She actively assisted customers with form-filling and acted as their advocate.
In 2009, Councillor Dar founded the award-winning charity “Community on Solid Ground,” which has since provided invaluable support to over 400 young people each week.
For her tenure as Lord Mayor, empowerment will be the prevailing theme. Councillor Dar is committed to fostering self-belief and self-empowerment, while advocating for peace, justice, human rights, and equality for all.
Councillor Paul Andrews was appointed as the deputy Lord Mayor and is slated to assume the ceremonial role after 12 months.
During the meeting, councillors also paid tribute to the outgoing Lord Mayor, Donna Ludford, for her dedicated service.
