Preston Welcomes New Mayor

The city of Preston has formally welcomed Councillor Yakub Patel as its 695^th Mayor for 2023/4, a position that dates back to 1327.

Councillor Patel served as Deputy Mayor throughout 2022/2023 and has now become the Mayor following the completion of Councillor Neil Darby's term in office.

New Mayor of Preston, Councillor Yakub Patel, said:

"I am honoured and delighted to become the Mayor of Preston, a city I am proud to call my home. I hope to make positive differences to the communities that I serve and also provide additional support through my Mayoral charities for the coming year."

Cllr Patel is the first Indian-born Muslim Mayor of the City of Preston. He was born in the city of Bharuch (formerly known as 'Broach' by the British Rules) in India, a district in the southern part of the Gujarat peninsula on the west coast state of Gujarat, located on the banks of the river Narmada, one of the seven holy rivers of India. The city of Bharuch and its surrounding district was a major shipping centre and seaport, an important pre-compass coastal trading route to the west, perhaps as far back as the days of the Pharaohs.

Yakub graduated from M.S. University of Baroda, India, with a BA and MA degree in English Literature. Yakub came to the UK in June 1976, where he married and has lived in the Frenchwood area ever since with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Yakub started his career in 1979 with Preston Bus Corporation and was promoted from PSV (public service vehicle) conductor to PSV driver.  Yakub also held roles as Revenue Inspector, Traffic Inspector, Assistant Chief, Chief Inspector and Operations Manager before her retired in July 2009.

He has also served in many roles with Preston Bus including a Board of Director, Health & Safety Representative and Chairman and Secretary of ACTS Union.

Yakub has been involved in politics since the age of 10 when he started canvassing and delivering election leaflets for his late father, who was a strong supporter and a member of the late Indira Gandhi's Congress Party.    

He was first elected as a Labour Party councillor for Avenham Ward in 1995 and was the first Muslim councillor in the history of Preston City Council. Yakub was also elected a Lancashire County Councillor for Preston Division 2001 - 2009.

Yakub is an active member of the local community and serves as a co-opted member for Preston Jamea Mosque and Preston Muslim Burial Society. He is also a governor for Frenchwood Community Primary School. Yakub also works as an interpreter for Global Voices Ltd, Prestige Network and Alfa Language Ltd.

Yakub has been Deputy Mayor since May 2022.  The long serving councillor has been undertaking Civic Duties and hosted the visit of the Royal Family in summer alongside the Mayor. He was also invited as a chief guest at Lancashire Vintage car show in Avenham and Miller Park.

Yakub had the honour to accompany Councillor Atkins when the Late Sir Ron Atkins (GURU) was awarded the 'Posthumous Honorary Fellowship' at the Graduation Ceremony at University of Central Lancashire during December 2022. 

Rosemere Cancer, Preston Domestic Violence Services and Emmaus will be Yakub's Mayoral Charities for 2023/2024.  This is in response and a tribute to the fantastic work done by these organisations for the people of Preston.

The Deputy Mayor for 2023/4 is Cllr Phil Crowe.

More information

• The Mayor of Preston is a civic role with the Mayor acting as the City's first citizen, which means they speak on behalf of the City and are an important part of its identity. They also represent local people at civic and ceremonial events
• The official Mayor-making ceremony took place at 6pm Wednesday 17 May 2022 at Preston's Town Hall in the Council Chamber
• Image courtesy of Michael Porter Photography
• Updates on Mayoral activities throughout the year will be shared on social media  - Facebook - Preston Mayor and X - Preston Mayor