On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Manchester witnessed a moment of personal triumph and poignant loss as Councillor Shaukat Ali was sworn in as the city’s 128th Lord Mayor. The mayor-making ceremony, typically a day of joy and civic pride, was deeply emotional for Ali, who only a day earlier had lost his mother after a long illness. "Today is a deeply emotional day for me, my mother passed away yesterday after a long-term illness, and I feel profound sadness that she is not here to share this very special moment with me," Ali said, his words echoing through the council chamber and across the city, according to BBC News and MSN.
Ali’s story is a testament to Manchester’s character as a city built on diversity, resilience, and opportunity. Born in 1965 in District Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, he grew up in the village of Batli before moving to Manchester at the age of 16. Arriving with little English, he faced the daunting challenge of building a new life in an unfamiliar land. He began working in textile manufacturing and, over the years, became self-employed, running a furniture business and a small food outlet. Notably, he also spent several years as a licensed taxi driver, all while attending evening English classes and eventually earning an IT diploma from City College Manchester (as reported by BBC and MSN).
Ali’s journey into public service began in 2012, when he was elected as a councillor for Cheetham. Over more than a decade, he has served on key committees such as planning and highways, children’s scrutiny, and neighbourhood services, as well as regional boards. His commitment to Manchester’s communities was especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he volunteered with the Rainbow Surprise charity, delivering food to vulnerable residents in North Manchester. That experience, he later reflected, showed him "how collaboration, mutual respect and hard work can bring people together," as noted by local news sources.
Now, as Lord Mayor, Ali will take on a ceremonial role that is steeped in tradition but carries no direct political power. The Lord Mayor chairs full council meetings and represents Manchester at official functions and charity events, serving as the city’s civic figurehead rather than its political leader. This distinction is important in a city that also has a directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, who holds executive authority. Yet, as Ali’s own life demonstrates, the ceremonial role offers a powerful platform to champion Manchester’s values and celebrate its diversity.
In his maiden speech as Lord Mayor, Ali paid tribute to the city’s unique spirit: "Manchester is a city built on diversity, culture, and fairness. It’s a city where people from every background, culture, faith, and belief live side by side, contributing to the rich fabric that makes Manchester truly special." He added, "Manchester has given me everything I have today," underscoring the deep gratitude and sense of belonging that has shaped his public life, as quoted by MSN and BBC News.
Ali’s mayoral year will focus on two priorities close to his heart: supporting children in social care and strengthening community cohesion. He has repeatedly emphasized that the city’s future depends on the well-being of its youngest residents and the ability of diverse communities to live and work together harmoniously. His wife, Kausar Parveen, will serve as Lady Mayoress during his term, and their four children will no doubt share in the responsibilities and celebrations that come with the role.
The ceremony also marked the end of Councillor Carmine Grimshaw’s term as Lord Mayor. Grimshaw, a former councillor for Miles Platting and Newton Heath, completed a remarkable year in office, undertaking more than 500 engagements and visiting every ward in the city. In his farewell speech, Grimshaw reflected on the lessons learned during his tenure: "If there’s one thing that this year has shown me beyond any doubt, it is that the real heartbeat of Manchester is within its communities." He continued, "It has truly been an honour to service the remarkable city, and an even greater honour for me to learn from the people who give it life, thank you the people of Manchester."
Councillor Pat Karney, a long-serving figure in Manchester politics, praised Grimshaw’s "magnificent" record, noting the breadth of his engagement and his commitment to reaching every corner of the city. The sentiment was echoed by Liberal Democrat councillor John Leech, who remarked, "I think it’s fair to say that you will be genuinely missed across the whole council chamber." Praise for Grimshaw’s service poured in from all sides, reflecting the nonpartisan respect that the Lord Mayor’s office commands.
Ali’s ascent to the mayoralty is more than a personal achievement—it is emblematic of Manchester’s evolution as a city that welcomes newcomers and celebrates the contributions of all its residents. His life story mirrors the experiences of many in Manchester’s modern, multicultural population: the challenges of migration, the hard work of integration, and the rewards of civic engagement. As he takes up the ceremonial chain and hat, Ali stands as a symbol of what the city aspires to be: open, inclusive, and united in purpose.
The Lord Mayor’s role may be ceremonial, but it carries significant weight in representing the city’s values and aspirations. Ali has made it clear that he intends to use his platform to shine a spotlight on the organizations and individuals who make Manchester thrive. He has spoken with pride about the city’s resilience during difficult times, including the pandemic, and has called on all Mancunians to work together to build a future defined by fairness and mutual respect.
Ali’s appointment also serves as a reminder that civic leadership can come from the most unexpected places. From the textile mills of Manchester to the front seat of a taxi, and now to the Lord Mayor’s chair, his journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance, service, and gratitude. As Manchester looks to the future, Ali’s story offers both inspiration and a challenge: to ensure that every resident, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute to the city’s ongoing story.
With the support of his family and the confidence of his colleagues, Councillor Shaukat Ali begins his term as Lord Mayor with a clear vision and a deep sense of purpose. In a city known for its diversity and dynamism, he stands ready to represent Manchester with pride, compassion, and unwavering commitment to its people.