Mayor - Councillor Shakil Ahmed
The Mayor of Rochdale 2024-2025
Born in Kashmir and brought up in the UK, Shakil went to primary school in Coventry before moving to Rochdale in 1984, attending Broadfield High school.
Mayor - Councillor Shakil Ahmed
As he lost his father in infancy he was brought up by his mother. He went in to the textile industry, working as a machine operator to support his family. Later he worked as a bus driver and for the last 24 years he has been a HGV driver, delivering baked goods. During COVID-19 he worked as a key worker, supporting local residents and community organisations.
A very proud father and grandfather Shakil regularly organises and supervises football and cricket tournaments locally. He also is keen walker, walking the ward at least once a week, dealing with case work, and picking up residents issues.
A proud Rochdalian, he has been participating in community cohesion initiatives through local voluntary and faith organisations.
A councillor since 2012 and chair of the council’s action and resources committee, Shakil has held other important roles as assistant cabinet member for community, chair of the planning and licensing committee and as a member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority transport committee.
He believes very strongly in equality, social justice and equal opportunities for all. As an active member of the faith community he helped create praying facilities for marginalised faith groups in his ward.
Shakil has been very active in the voluntary sector, he believes in giving back to the community and no task is too big or too small for him.