Croydon names Civic Mayor to represent borough communities

Croydon has appointed Councillor Mohammed Islam as its new Civic Mayor, placing a Selhurst ward councillor with long-standing local community ties in the borough’s ceremonial civic role.

Councillor Islam was appointed at a special mayor-making ceremony during Annual Council on Wednesday, 27 May. He has lived in Croydon since 1980, after moving from Ipswich, and has spent the past 22 years in Selhurst with his wife, Farhana, and their four children.

The new Civic Mayor works as an approved driving instructor and is a founding member of the British Bangladeshi Society of Croydon, which supports educational, cultural and wellbeing work in the borough.

Selhurst councillor takes civic chain

Councillor Islam said his year in office would focus on inclusion, mutual respect and bringing communities together across Croydon.

“It is a privilege and a tremendous honour to serve as Civic Mayor and to represent our diverse borough in a role dedicated to public service,” he said.

He added that he wanted to engage with residents, community groups and local organisations so that people across the borough feel represented and valued. His chosen charities are expected to be formalised shortly.

The appointment follows other London borough civic changes this month, including a community-focused mayoral year in Ealing.

Civic role is separate from Executive Mayor

Croydon Council said the Civic Mayor performs ceremonial and public duties during their term. That role is separate from the Executive Mayor, who is elected by residents every four years to lead the council.

Councillor Scott Roche, who represents Shirley South, has been appointed Deputy Civic Mayor. He was previously cabinet member for streets and environment, covering areas including transport, sustainability and environmental services, and worked in Parliament as a senior caseworker before entering local government.

Executive Mayor Jason Perry congratulated both councillors and said it was “a great honour” to be chosen for the historic civic role.

Community groups that want the Civic Mayor or Deputy Civic Mayor to attend an event are being asked to apply through the council website at least two weeks in advance.

Source: Croydon Council