First Bangladeshi Mayor of Islington is set to be appointed

Councillor Jilani Chowdhury is set to be appointed as the new Mayor of Islington.

The 47 year-old councillor for Barnsbury ward, is

expected to be sworn in as Mayor at the annual meeting of the council on May 10. He will be the first ever Bangladeshi Mayor of Islington.

Jilani was elected as a Labour councillor for

Barnsbury ward in 2006 and has served as Deputy Mayor of Islington for the last

year.

Born in Bangladesh, Jilani moved to the UK in 1992

and has lived in Islington ever since. He is married with three children, the

eldest of whom is now at university while the younger two still attend Islington

schools. Jilani is a governor at Thornhill Primary School.

Before coming to the UK, Jilani was General

Secretary of the Students Union of Moulvibazar College, Bangladesh. In this role

he actively took part in the movement against the military regime in

Bangladesh. Having finished his BA degree he joined the civil service and was

selected as General Secretary of the Civil Service Association of Bangladesh,

standing for the rights of employees and trade unions and promoting equal

opportunities for all members of staff.

During his time as a councillor Jilani has furthered

his studies, completing a BSc degree at London Metropolitan University in

Community Sector Management. Jilani runs a community centre for older people in

Camden which focuses on offering services that are culturally appropriate for

its users.

Cllr Chowdhury said: "I am honoured to have been

nominated by my fellow councillors to take up the challenge of being the

borough's first citizen. I have always found Islington to be a very welcoming

borough, with a proud tradition of acceptance and tolerance, something that I am

keen to celebrate during the Olympic year.

"I am committed to supporting and promoting a fairer

Islington for all residents. That's why I'm intending to support The Manor

Gardens Centre, a local charity that provides healthcare services for over 2,000

disadvantaged members of the community each week."

Cllr Jilani Chowdhury's appointment would mean he

succeeds departing Mayor Cllr Phil Kelly. Cllr Barry Edwards who represents

Holloway ward has been nominated for the post of Deputy Mayor.

The roles of

Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be agreed at Islington's annual council meeting

Thursday, May 10.