Jagdish Sharma Retires As Leader Of Hounslow Council

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The UK's 'first Asian Mayor' will continue to serve as a local councillor

Hounslow Mayor Cllr Sachin Gupta led the tributes to Cllr Sharma, giving assembled guests at the Civic Centre an overview of Cllr Sharma’s achievements and personal highlights as a councillor. He said: “Cllr Sharma became Mayor of Hounslow in 1979 and was the UK’s first Asian Mayor. He was interviewed and appeared in the internationally renowned US magazine ‘TIME’.

“A high point of his Mayoral year was to greet the Queen Mother when she visited Lampton School for the opening of the sports hall. He proudly displayed a picture of the visit in his office.

“In 1995 Cllr Sharma received an MBE for services to local government and in 2000 he was given the Freedom of the Borough to mark his 25 years of service. In more recent years, he won The Asian Voice Political and Public Lifetime Award which was presented to him by Ed Miliband in 2012.”

Councillor Sharma, who was re-elected to the Hounslow West ward last month for an eleventh term, said he was delighted to be continuing his work as a councillor. He said:

“It’s been a privilege to represent the people of Hounslow since 1974. Things have changed over the last 40 years, but the support I have had from colleagues, officers and friends has been unwavering. I am incredibly grateful for all the advice I have had over the years – thank you. I also want to thank Hounslow residents for their support, without them, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Hounslow Council Chief Executive Mary Harpley thanked Cllr Sharma and spoke of her admiration for his dedication to public service. She said:

“I’m in awe of Cllr Sharma’s ability and drive to combine an incredibly successful professional career with a constant commitment to serving the people of Hounslow. His devotion to Hounslow is obvious to everyone. 

“I too personally thank him for the guidance he has given to me since I became Chief Executive.”

A new Cabinet, Leader and Deputy Leader for Hounslow Council will be ratified at the Full Council public meeting on Tuesday 10 June, 7.30pm, Civic Centre, Hounslow.

In addition to his professional teaching career of 30 years career, Cllr Sharma served for 32 years as a magistrate.

He was also made a General Commissioner of Taxes from 1984-2008. 

Following his Mayoral year, Cllr Sharma held the following posts at Hounslow Council:

• Vice Chair of the Education Committee
• Chair of Leisure Services for eight years
• Chair of Finance Committee for two years
• Chair of Education Committee for four years
• Deputy Leader
• Chief Whip
• Labour Group Opposition Leader

 

June 4, 2014