Luton's new mayor 'deeply humbled' as he's handed official robes of office

Councillor Hussain was officially appointed the town’s new mayor in May, but has now received the mayoral chain and robes of office.

He succeeds Labour Northwell councillor Amy Nicholls as first citizen of the borough, who was presented with a past mayor’s badge.

Labour Beech Hill councillor Rumi Chowdhury told the meeting: “It gives me great pleasure and immense pride to speak in support of my nomination of councillor Javed Hussain as Mayor of Luton.

“Councillor Hussain has shown unwavering commitment to our town, serving our communities with dedication, integrity and compassion,” she explained. “He truly understands its diversity, energy and potential.

“He’s consistently worked to bring people together and champion the needs of all residents. Throughout his service, he’s shown strong leadership and a deep sense of public duty.

“These are exactly the qualities we need in a mayor, someone who represents every corner of our town with dignity and pride. I’ve no doubt that councillor Hussain will be an excellent ambassador for our town, both within the borough and beyond, inspiring confidence and fostering unity.”

His seconder and Labour Challney councillor Basit Mahmood referred to “an unprecedented enthusiasm” councillor Hussain is bringing to the role, saying: “As a colleague I’ve seen first hand the passion you bring to our town and how determined you’ve been to make a positive difference to the lives of our residents.

“You spent 24 years as an engineer manager, seven years as a cabinet member and lived in Luton for 47 years. Your ‘can do’ attitude will mean you’ll be a fantastic mayor.

“I’ve no doubt you’ll bring accountability, transparency and tangible results, staying true to your principles in serving our town as first citizen.”

Councillor Hussain replied: “Tonight is a very special and emotional moment for me as the Mayor of Luton, something I never take for granted.

“It’s a tremendous honour and I feel deeply humbled by the trust placed in me.”

Labour Central councillor Fatima Begum was proposed as deputy mayor by her ward colleague councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif, who described it as “a privilege” to speak in support of her.

“Councillor Begum’s story is one of courage, resilience and service,” he said. “She’s faced challenges many of us can scarcely imagine. As an organ transplant recipient, she’s lived through serious illness and shown remarkable strength and determination.

“Rather than allowing these experiences to define her, she has used them to strengthen her commitment to helping others. Those who know Fatima are aware she leads with kindness and integrity.

“She understands what it means to overcome adversity, which has given her a unique ability to connect with everyone from all walks of life.”

Her seconder, Labour Farley councillor Javeria Hussain, labelled councillor Begum “a bit of a fashionista”, adding: “Every outfit she wears tells a story, whether it’s a beautiful Sari, a Salwar Kameez or a contemporary dress; she proudly carries her heritage wherever she goes.

“Fatima is passionate about listening, supporting and doing what she believes to make a positive difference to everyone. By simply being yourself, she feels she’s representing her culture, celebrating diversity and showing young people they should always be proud of who they are.”