Next Lord Mayor named 4 years after controversy
Row about David Cameron and Islamophobia resurfaces
ABIRMINGHAM councillor who linked David Cameron to Islamophobia and was allegedly dismissive of domestic violence issues is to be Birmingham’s next Lord Mayor.
Councillor Muhammad Afzal has been picked by Labour colleagues four years after pulling out of running for the post over of a series controversies.
The long-serving Aston ward member was selected by the city council’s ruling Labour group at its meeting on Monday and is now set to take up the prestigious role of ‘first citizen’ in May.
But the appointment has already raised eyebrows among some councillors who pointed to the alleged transgressions which scuppered Cllr Afzal’s selection in 2016.
He was criticised for linking former Prime Minister David Cameron with Islamophobia over the counterterrorism programme Prevent.
Not long after, the Muslim Women’s Network UK made a formal complaint about alleged comments he made in the capacity of Birmingham Central Mosque chairman.
They accused him of being dismissive about domestic violence and the issue of forced marriages.
Cllr Afzal subsequently withdrew from the running for Lord Mayor to avoid the post being attached with controversy.
He stated ‘unfair and indeed untrue’ comments had been attributed to him despite efforts to ‘put the record straight’, according to a report at the time.
But four years on he has been chosen as Lord Mayor-elect once again. He declined to comment on his selection when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service at full council this week.
Cllr Afzal had circulated an email to fellow Labour members seeking support by outlining the vast number of positions he has held inside and outside the council as well as within the party. He was first elected to the council in 1982 and has served for more than 35 years from 1982 to 2005 and then 2007 to date.
Cllr Afzal said he had been invited as a speaker at the International Union of Local Authorities Conference and had addressed a number of conferences on diversity. He added: “I moved to Birmingham in 1969 and have served the city and its citizens for over 50 years. I believe this has equipped me with the skills and capability to take on this new role.
“Therefore, I request your support in electing me as your Lord Mayor for the coming year.
“I can assure you that I will do my utmost to maintain the high profile of our great city and build upon its successes, as well as ensuring that the diverse citizens of Birmingham are well served by their Lord Mayor.
“It would be a huge honour and privilege to serve as the first citizen of my adopted city during the closing years of my long public life.”
Cllr Afzal received more votes than Cllr Barbara Dring (Lab, Oscott), who has served since 2004.
She said: “I’m disappointed. I’m very proud of this city and think I would have done a good job representing it. But I’m not surprised about the way it (the Labour group vote) went.”