Leicester’s new Lord Mayor pledges support for local food and health charities

Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal has been officially sworn in as the Lord Mayor of Leicester during a ceremony at the Town Hall. Representing the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields ward since 2015, Cllr Singh Johal takes over the role of the city’s first citizen with a pledge to serve residents with openness and humility. During his year in office, he will be supported by the Lady Mayoress, his wife Manjit Kaur Johal, and his daughter, Gursimran Kaur Hayer, who will serve as his consort.

Dedicated support for food security and healthcare

As part of his inaugural duties, the Lord Mayor selected two local organizations to benefit from his mayoral appeal. The first, the Midland Langar Seva Society, focuses on addressing food insecurity and homelessness within Leicester. This choice aligns with Cllr Singh Johal’s long-standing commitment to the Sikh principle of seva, or selfless service.

The second beneficiary is the Leicester Hospitals Charity. The funding and awareness raised during the year will specifically target early diagnosis initiatives for diabetes and kidney care. These areas of healthcare are critical for the city’s long-term wellbeing, and the Lord Mayor has called on the public to join him in backing these causes to improve local health outcomes.

A career shaped by industry and community service

Cllr Singh Johal’s path to the mayoralty is rooted in Leicester’s industrial history. He spent 25 years working at Russell Castings Ltd, a local foundry producing ductile iron castings, until its closure in 2016. This professional background informed his dedication to trade union values and community advocacy.

Beyond the council chamber, he has been a prominent figure in local civic life for decades. As the General Secretary of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, he played a key role during the 2002 visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II. His influence also extends to local grassroots athletics, where he helped develop GNG Football Club into one of the city’s most inclusive community sports organizations.

Continuity of a historic civic tradition

The office of the Lord Mayor in Leicester is a tradition dating back to 1209. While the role was originally titled ‘Mayor,’ it was elevated to ‘Lord Mayor’ in 1928. Cllr Singh Johal succeeds the outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Teresa Aldred, who has been appointed as High Bailiff. Joining the new civic team for the 2026-27 term is Cllr Dr Susan Barton, who will serve as the Deputy Lord Mayor.

Source: Leicester City Council