Manjula Sood, a trailblazer in British public life and a beloved figure in Leicester, has died at the age of 80, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the city and beyond. Sood, who made history as the UK's first female Asian lord mayor, passed away while visiting her family in London, just a day after celebrating her milestone birthday. Her death marks the end of an era for Leicester, a city she served with remarkable dedication for nearly three decades.
Born in the Punjab district of Ludhiana, India, Sood arrived in Leicester in 1970 to complete her PhD studies, according to her biography cited by BBC. The move was a dramatic change: she and her late husband, Paul Sood, left behind a sprawling 25-room house for a modest flat on an inner-city estate. There were no carpets and no heating and it was snowing. I told my husband 'I'm not staying here', she once recalled. However, bolstered by her grandfather's encouragement to make the most of her new life, she embraced Leicester as her home. Now I am glad I stayed, she later said, reflecting on her journey.
After completing her studies, Sood became a primary school teacher, a role she held for around 20 years. Her impact as an educator was profound. Shockat Adam, MP for Leicester South, remembered being taught by her, describing how she touched countless lives through her work and kindness and called her death a great loss to the city of Leicester (BBC, ITV News Central).
Sood's entry into politics was both unexpected and poignant. In 1996, following the sudden death of her husband, who was a senior local politician, she stood for and won the by-election for the Stoneygate ward. This victory made her Leicester's first female Hindu councillor and set her on a path that would see her break even more barriers. As noted in her biography, she faced and successfully overcame many challenges in her early career, juggling political life with supporting her two children and caring for her elderly mother (BBC).
Her achievements reached new heights in May 2008, when she became the first Asian female lord mayor in both Leicester and the UK. This is great news for a great city, especially as a woman who came here to make it her home, she said at the time (BBC). The significance of her appointment was not lost on the cityor the nation. Sood's year as lord mayor was marked by her tireless advocacy for community cohesion, diversity, and women's empowerment.
Throughout her career, Sood held several key positions, including assistant mayor and, more recently, Assistant City Mayor for Community Cohesion. She was also recognized with numerous honors, including an MBE and an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Leicester. Her role as High Bailiff further demonstrated the breadth of her public service (LeicestershireLive).
The news of her passing was met with deep sadness across Leicester. Sir Peter Soulsby, the city's mayor, described her as a truly exceptional person and an inspiration. I've never known anybody with such a commitment to others. She really was a lovely person. We would walk out in the city, and it was remarkable the number of people who would come up to her and greet her as an aunt or a sister, he said (LeicestershireLive).
Community leaders echoed these sentiments. Suleman Nagdi, of the Federation of Muslim Organisations, paid tribute to Sood as a shining light a woman of extraordinary compassion, dignity, and unwavering dedication. He emphasized the lasting impact of her kindness, stating, The void she leaves behind is immeasurable. We have lost a guide, a mentor, and a beautiful soul whose presence made the world a kinder place (ITV News Central).
Bishop of Leicester Martyn Snow also lauded her pioneering work in interfaith relations, calling her a true leader for the Indian and Gujarati community and someone who supported so many people across the city (LeicestershireLive).
Her influence was felt not only within the city council but throughout Leicester's diverse communities. Liz Kendall, Labour MP for Leicester West, highlighted Sood's efforts in championing women and our incredible diverse communities, noting that she had been a huge source of inspiration and support since Kendall's own election (BBC, LeicestershireLive).
Sood's legacy extends far beyond her official titles. She was known for her warmth, wisdom, and generosityqualities that endeared her to colleagues, constituents, and friends alike. Suleman Nagdi described her as more than a local councillor, community leader she was like an elder sister, someone I looked up to with immense respect and affection (ITV News Central).
Despite her many accolades, Sood remained deeply connected to her roots and her family. She had recently spent time in London with her grandchildren, celebrating her 80th birthday with her son's family on December 23, 2025. She died the following day, on Christmas Eve, according to LeicestershireLive and ITV News Central.
Her passing has left a palpable sense of loss in Leicester. Friends, colleagues, and residents remember her as a tireless public servant who dedicated her life to fostering understanding and unity. Her story, from a young woman arriving in a new country to becoming a pioneering leader, continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
A message on her website summed up the feelings of many: It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Manjula Sood, a loving mother and grandmother, and a dedicated servant of the Leicester community. Details of a memorial service will be shared in due course. The family kindly request privacy at this time and ask that there be no home visits (BBC).
As Leicester prepares to honor her memory, the tributes and stories shared by those who knew her best serve as a testament to a life devoted to service, compassion, and breaking new ground. Manjula Sood's legacy, woven into the fabric of Leicester, will continue to guide and inspire for generations to come.
