Bradford welcomed me with open arms - new mayor

Bradford's new Lord Mayor said his story reflected that of every immigrant who lived their life with "hope, hard work and faith in their hearts".

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq, who came to the UK as a child unable to speak English, was elected as the district's first citizen at the city council's annual meeting.

He said: "I was a 12-year-old boy not knowing a word of English, wide-eyed and unsure, yet Bradford welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home.

"It became my city and four decades later I stand here not just as a resident but as Lord Mayor."

The Labour politician, who had been deputy mayor behind Bev Mullaney for the past year, was first voted onto the council in 2006 and works as a social worker as well as representing voters in Bradford Moor.

Nominating Shafiq for the role, Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said his was "a story a lot of our residents recognise".

"He came to a strange environment, he didn't know many people, but he managed to apply himself really well," she said.

"He went on to become a social worker, working with some of the most vulnerable children.

"It is a positive story about Bradford and immigration to Bradford, that you came here, worked hard and are now helping vulnerable children."

The new Lord Mayor was also praised by other party leaders, with Conservative colleague Rebecca Poulsen saying he had proved a "very able deputy mayor" and councillor Taj Salam (Independents) said: "You're a brilliant councillor for your ward."

Councillor Fozia Shaheen, who represents the Toller ward for Labour, was elected as deputy mayor for the coming year.

After donning the mayoral robes, Shafiq added: "It is with deep humility and emotion that I stand here as your Lord Mayor. This honour means more to me than I can ever express.

"My story is a reflection of so many families who came to this country with hope, hard work and faith in their hearts.

"I wish my mum and dad were here – they sacrificed so much so I could have a better life."

He named his two charities for the year as Bradford District and Craven Mind and the Umeed Welfare Trust.

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