'An immense honour' Luton's outgoing mayor reflects on year in the role

Councillor Nicholls was speaking at the annual mayoral investiture ceremony, where her successor Labour Beech Hill councillor Javed Hussain presented her with a past mayor’s badge.

Referring to “a wonderful year” in the role, councillor Nicholls told the full council meeting: “I’m incredibly proud to have attended and supported so many events across the town, engaging with our diverse communities.

“I met so many fantastic people, and thank you to every organisation that so warmly welcomed me through their doors,” she said.

“As we mark the end of Pride Month, its’s especially poignant. A highlight for me was being the first mayor to speak on stage at our Pride in Luton festival.

“I’m proud to have spoken openly about my own identity throughout the last 12 months. In doing so, I’ve had countless conversations with members of our LGBTQ+ community about the importance of representation.

“I’ve spoken to older people, who’ve shared their experiences with me of coming out later in life, while younger residents have told me how much it means to see themselves represented in civic life.

“Some of these conversations will stay with me for a very long time. They’ve really shown me how important visibility is, as it really matters, especially now.

“I’ve met many groups throughout this year, doing vital work serving our communities, and had the privilege of fundraising for my three nominated charities. All of them provide really important public service and keep our community safe.

“These were Luton Community First Responders, the Bedfordshire branch of the Fire Fighters’ Charity, and Luton, South Beds and Harpenden branch of the Samaritans. I’m really pleased they’ll share a pot of around £10,500,” added councillor Nicholls.

“It’s really been an immense honour to be Mayor of Luton for the past 12 months, as we celebrate 150 years of our borough. It’s been a fantastic year of celebrations already and I’m excited about the events to come, including Party in the Park.

“I know councillor Javed Hussain and his deputy councillor Fatima Begum will do an excellent job in marking the rest of this year’s activities spectacularly, and I wish them all the best.”

Council leader and Labour Biscot councillor Tahmina Saleem acknowledged: “You brought a smile to proceedings.

“You were the first mayor I saw wiping down tables, after a civic event you hosted. Always gentle and gracious, you personify a different kind of public servant.

“Quick to help, intelligent and understated. I’m honoured to have been the first to congratulate you on being appointed mayor. It’s my greater honour to thank you for being such an excellent, sincere and generous mayor.”

Labour Central councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif described councillor Nicholls as “a role model for young people aspiring to public office”, saying: “As a Lutonian born and bred, she could provide that inspiration to future generations.

“She also inspired confidence in public office and service, as well as raising money for charities. It’s not the easiest task in the world. As a past mayor, I know you have to sacrifice your entire spare time to fulfil the role.

“It’s an amazing privilege. The fact that councillor Nicholls has done that at such a young age should serve as a great example. I’m sure she’ll continue to be an inspiration for upcoming generations.”