Gujarat-born councillor is new Mayor of Preston in north England

As Preston City Councillor, it signifies an elected role to represent the communities and, once chosen and after serving as Deputy Mayor for a year, they step up at the following Annual Council to serve as the Mayor for a year.

Patel’s chosen charities for support during his mayoral tenure include Rosemere Cancer, Preston Domestic Violence Services and homelessness support charity Emmaus in tribute to the work done by these organisations for the people of Preston.

Patel has a deep association with the city, where he started his career in 1979 with Preston Corporation. He held roles as a Revenue Inspector, Traffic Inspector, Assistant Chief, Chief Inspector and Operations Manager before he retired in July 2009.