Councillor Shaukat Ali has been sworn in as the 128th Lord Mayor of Manchester following an official Mayor Making ceremony today (Wednesday 20 May).
With over a decade of experience since his election in 2012, Councillor Shaukat Ali has served on key committees including Planning and Highways, Children’s Scrutiny, and Neighbourhood services, as well as regional boards.
During his mayoral year, he will focus on supporting children in social care and strengthening community cohesion across the city.
Born in 1965 in District Mirpur, Azad Kashmir in Pakistan, Shaukat Ali grew up in the village of Batli in Kashmir where he completed his schooling before moving to Manchester at age 16 speaking very little English.
Once here, he worked in textile manufacturing for several years before becoming self-employed. He went on to successfully run a furniture business followed by a small food outlet. Alongside this, he worked for several years as a licensed taxi driver in Manchester, while studying English in the evenings and later attaining an IT diploma from City College Manchester.
Inspired by the strong community values instilled in him by his family, he decided to enter politics and was elected councillor in 2012.
During his 14 years in local government, Cllr Ali has worked in the heart of his constituency dedicating his time to community service and improving the lives of residents. He also volunteered during COVID-19 delivering food to vulnerable people in North Manchester through the Rainbow Surprise charity.
His journey reflects resilience, hard work, and a lifelong commitment to serving the community. A married father of four, the new Lord Mayor enjoys cricket and countryside walks. He is supported by his wife, Kausar Parveen, who will serve as Lady Mayoress throughout his year as Lord Mayor.
Councillor Shaukat Ali, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, said: “It is a great honour to serve as Lord Mayor and to represent the people of Manchester. My early years in Pakistan, alongside my life here in Manchester, where I have made my home and raised my family, have strongly shaped my values.
“In this role, I am proud to champion our city and celebrate the diversity, resilience and community spirit that make Manchester so special. I have seen first-hand how collaboration, mutual respect and hard work can bring people together and make a positive difference.
“With the continued support of my family and the people of Manchester, I look forward to supporting communities, promoting the city, and recognising the many organisations and individuals who contribute so much to its success.”
