New Mayor elected in annual ceremony

Cllr Tariq Dar MBE is Brent’s new Mayor after his election as the Borough’s First Citizen at the Council’s Annual General Meeting today (22 May).

Cllr Dar, who represents Cricklewood and Mapesbury Ward, will be taking over the role of Mayor from Councillor Orleen Hylton. 

With deep roots in the community, Cllr Dar is committed to improving the lives of residents across Brent. Arriving in the UK in 1965, he has become a champion for residents, earning an MBE in 2019 for services to the community. Cllr Dar has worked with Sufra Food Bank for a decade and tirelessly advocates for vulnerable residents. Notably, he led the successful campaign to reduce fees for NICOP cards, benefitting millions of overseas Pakistanis.

Cllr Dar’s role as a community leader extends across numerous organisations. As Chairman of the Pakistan Community Centre, he has championed many local causes, while serving as a Trustee for the Central Mosque of Brent, Cricklewood Library, and Friends of Gladstone Park.

Currently, he oversees a winter shelter for the homeless and a Covid-19 food bank at the Pakistan Community Centre, supported by over 200 volunteers.

In his mayoral speech, Cllr Dar said:

“I feel extremely privileged to be here in front of you all to accept the position of Mayor of Brent.  Being the Mayor of Brent is a huge personal honour. I arrived in the UK in 1965, and have been a champion for residents ever since, earning an MBE in 2019 for services to the community.

I will work closely with my teams to capitalise on the many strengths, attributes, and talents of my colleagues. I believe that to achieve good results there must be cohesion, trust, and a strong working relationship.

In a time of uncertainty for many in Brent, I hope to use the office of Mayor to unite our communities.”

During his year term, the Mayor will support the Pakistani Community Centre as his chosen charity.

His predecessor Cllr Orleen Hylton, leaves her post achieving second place in London’s New Year’s Day Parade, winning £10,000 for her chosen charities, PLIAS and Preston Community Library. 

Cllr Diana Collymore, who represents Northwick Park, was elected as Deputy Mayor. 

Residents can keep up with the Mayor's official engagements and visits around Brent by following his Twitter feed: @mayorofbrent.