To consider nominations for the appointment of Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the 2026/27 Civic Year.
Minutes:
It was proposed by Councillor Brown that Councillor Parekh be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2026/27.
Councillor Brown congratulated the Mayor on his appointment and stated that he was pleased to nominate Councillor Parekh, whose journey into public life was deeply rooted in service to people and community. Born in Mumbai, Councillor Parekh came to the UK in 2006 to complete her master’s degree in social work, a profession she chose to make a difference. Councillor Parekh had planned to return to India; however, she met her future husband, married and made the UK her home, where she quickly became active in the local community, volunteering and organising events, whilst continuing her career as a Social Worker. Councillor Brown stated that she had been encouraged to become involved in politics, and had agreed to do so, as long as she could remain focused on serving and advocating for residents, which she had, and he believed that she would make an excellent Deputy Mayor.
In seconding the recommendation, Councillor G Wheeler congratulated the Mayor, thanked Councillor Cottee and added his support to the nomination of Councillor Parekh as Deputy Mayor. He referred to the Covid pandemic, and Councillor Parekh’s hard work in supporting frontline workers and the vulnerable, which she had continued to do, in various voluntary roles, working closely with charities, schools, faith groups and local organisations, to tackle food poverty in particular. She also took an active role in the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, with over 1,000 distributed to those in need. Councillor Wheeler wished Councillor Parekh well in her forthcoming year as Deputy Mayor.
There being no further nominations, it was RESOLVED that Councillor Parekh be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2026/27.
Councillor Parekh then read and signed the declaration of acceptance of office and after thanking her proposer, seconder, and fellow Councillors, was invested with his Chain of Office by the Mayor.
Councillor Parekh thanked Councillors Brown and Wheeler for their kind words, congratulated the Mayor on his appointment, and stated that she looked forward to learning from and working with him during the year. She also thanked Councillors for supporting her and stated that she took this responsibility very seriously and would work to serve the Borough with commitment and respect. Councillor Parekh felt pride in becoming the first person of Indian descent, one of the youngest and few women to hold this role, and she hoped that this moment reflected a Council that was open and inclusive. She thanked her husband for his constant support, her 10 year old twins, for keeping her grounded and reminding her every day of the importance of community and her parents, whose sacrifice and unwavering support had made this journey possible. Councillor Parekh stated that her passion had always been on community service, bringing people together and ensuring that every voice mattered. As Deputy Mayor, she would continue to support communities, champion local causes and serve with openness, kindness and determination.