Departing Mayor Abdul Harid 'honoured' after historic year

Abdul Harid, who etched his name in Carlisle's history books as the first elected Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) city councillor in 2007, assumed the position of Mayor on May 11, 2023.

As he passed the baton to his successor, Chris Southward, and welcomed Janet Whalen as the new deputy mayor, Cllr Harid reflected on what was a historic year to hold the role.

"It's been a fantastic year where I've met many new friends," he said.

"It was a year that will be remembered by many people in Carlisle as well as throughout the nation.

"We celebrated the King's Coronation, the inception of Cumberland Council and the Charter of Trustees was formed." 

The position of Mayor of Carlisle is believed to have been created in 1231 when the city was first officially granted independence to run itself.

In the past, the Mayor was the executive leader of the council, it is now an honorary position - a decision which now lies in the hands of the Charter of Trustees. 

"That was the last day of the deadline, if the Charters hadn't appointed a Mayor on the Thursday we would have lost hundreds of years of history and heritage," he said. 

Mayor Harid welcomed the city's new residents to Civic Centre in December (Image: Supplied)

Speaking about his journey, Cllr Harid said: "When I first came to Carlisle 30 years ago, I always wanted to bring communities together.

"I've fundraised for many charities and worked alongside them in the early 90s but during this year, I've met so many more voluntary organisations and those who volunteer, I've heard so many incredible stories and met so many dedicated people.

"After coming to Carlisle, I've always had a passion for providing a service to the local community and engaging with local people.

"It's taken me nearly 30 years to become Mayor, I've been an elected councillor for four terms, I've been a local school governor for around 18 years, and to have received mayoralty last year, I've been absolutely honoured," he said. 

While mayor, Cllr Harid welcomed esteemed visitors, including the Piataks family and delegates from Carlisle's twin city, Flensburg in Germany, he also presided over the ceremonial opening of new international business ventures such as Komatsu Forest UK's new headquarters.

Tom and Patty Piatak, Nigel Clibbins join the Mayor of Carlisle for a tour around the civic centre (Image: Abdul Harid)

Throughout his tenure, he was also dedicated to showing Carlisle's ethos, that it is a "caring place" that embraces individuals from all faiths and backgrounds, especially as he welcomed many of the city's newest residents. 

As well as attending over 100 engagements, Cllr Harid has helped promote his chosen charities, Carlisle Foodbank, Cash for Kids and Carlisle's One World Centre. 

Cllr Harid also collected awards and honours during the year, including North East British Bangladeshi Person of the Year and a special recognition award from Euro Asia Awards London for valuable contribution to community cohesion and his historic achievement of becoming the first BAME Mayor in Cumbria.

One of his highlights of the year was standing in front of a 15,000 crowd during Carlisle's Christmas Lights switch-on.

The recruits with the Mayor of Carlisle (Image: Supplied)

He also felt proud to host new army recruits as they swore the oath of allegiance at the Civic Centre. 

"It's been an honour to have been the first citizen of Carlisle.

"Everywhere I went, people received me with respect and were pleased to see the position of Mayor and that the city hadn't lost its status which is important for our history.

"It was great to be an ambassador of the city.

"My sincere thanks to My PA for managing my diary, three sergeants ensuring the safety and security of my role and keeping me punctual for engagements.

"Many thanks to the office staff for providing exceptional hospitality service to visiting dignitaries." 

Cllr Harid will continue to serve Carlisle as councillor of the Belle Vue ward.