The first Muslim Mayor of Dudley has been announced and has committed to raising money for three charities during his year of office.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif was named the borough’s first citizen at a meeting of the full council last night.

The former Deputy Mayor has also been a councillor for nine years in the Lye and Stourbridge North ward. Councillor Hanif has pledged to raise thousands of pounds for charity split between three charities.

The charities will be Friends of Alfie Johnson (helping children with disabilities), Diabetes UK – Type 2 Together and Dudley CIL (physically and visually impaired with mental health and learning disabilities).

He will continue to champion the work of community volunteers and local diverse groups as he did during his year as Deputy last year and is keen to raise the profile of the work that goes on.  

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“It is an enormous honour and a privilege to be the Mayor of Dudley and I will serve the residents of Dudley borough to the best of my ability.

 “Both the Mayoress and I are looking forward to being ambassadors for the borough and promoting all the good things that happen here as well as the rich Black Country culture full of industrial heritage. 

“I am also very proud to be the first Muslim Mayor of the borough and passionate about working with the local diverse communities. 

“It is with the work of volunteers in our communities in mind that I have chosen the above local charities to support. I will stress how important it is that people give whatever they can afford for these worthwhile causes.”

Councillor Hanif’s wife, Zabeda Khanam, was named Mayoress at the ceremony in the council chamber, while Councillor Dave Tyler was officially sworn in as Deputy Mayor of Dudley and his wife Barbara is Deputy Mayoress.