Family Man is New Mayor

Banbury’s new mayor is a proud family man with a passion for helping others.

Cllr Fiaz Ahmed became town mayor last night (Tuesday) at an inauguration ceremony at the town hall attended by fellow councillors and civic dignitaries from Banbury and neighbouring boroughs.

Cllr Ahmed came to the UK from Kashmir at the age of four. He first lived in Yorkshire where he went to school and college before moving to Banbury to live with his brother Habib and former councillor Alyas Ahmed.

He married Banbury girl Akksa Bibbi in 1993. They have a daughter, Hafsa, and two boys, Abdul and Ibrahim.

It was while working at Encase that Cllr Ahmed’s voluntary, charity and public service began.

He attended evening classes to qualify as a youth worker and he helped set up a youth club in Adderbury. He also helped create a scout group and became a scout leader.

Cllr Ahmed is involved with Action for Humanity and during the covid pandemic he and Akksa helped to organise the Park Road Food Bank. He delivered food parcels to the elderly and housebound.

Last winter he set up a warm space in the Boxhedge area of town so that elderly people could keep warm while saving on home heating bills.

Cllr Ahmed is regularly invited into primary schools to explain the Islamic faith and is often called on by parents to put wayward children on a straight road and into employment.

He is a cricket fan and is a trustee for the charity at Banbury Cricket Club – and he is also a respected umpire.

Proposing Cllr Ahmed as mayor, leader of Banbury Town Council Kieron Mallon said: “I have known the Ahmed family for many years here in Banbury. Fiaz follows his elder brother Alyas who served on all councils some years ago.

“Many councillors become involved in charitable and voluntary organisations but few have the impressive record of Fiaz Ahmed. His record was recognised in high places recently when he and Akksa attended the Buckingham Palace Coronation Garden Party.”

“I am pleased to propose Cllr Fiaz Ahmed as mayor of Banbury – the highest office this town has to offer.”

Cllr Ahmed said: “I am honoured to become the mayor of Banbury. It is a proud moment for myself and my family.

“I shall continue my charity work and I’m looking forward to discovering other good causes and meeting the voluntary workers who do so much good in the town.

“It will be a year to remember and I will do everything I can to make it a success.”

Cllr Ahmed’s wife Akksa will be mayoress and Cllr Mike Bishop is the new deputy mayor.