Councillor Arshad made history as the first woman of colour, first Muslim woman and the youngest ever Lord Mayor of Oxford. Her year-long term of office ended yesterday (16 May).
"The last year has been one of the proudest of my life.
"I grew up in Oxford, I live and work in Oxford, and my kids go to school in Oxford. Representing the city and its people as the Lord Mayor of Oxford would have always been a huge honour, but to do so as the first Muslim woman, the first woman of colour and the youngest person ever to hold the position has been extraordinary.
"The year has gone by extremely fast. My evenings and weekends have been packed with school visits, charity fundraising events and official openings. I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from across Oxford and our twin cities, and of raising money for Humanity First, Oxford Community Action and Asylum Welcome.
"One of the highlights of the year was meeting Year 3 pupils at New Marston Primary School. For me, it was inspiring to hear them talk so passionately about tackling the climate emergency. But I hadn’t expected that seeing me – wearing Oxford’s mayoral chains and a hijab – would also inspire them. Several expressed a newfound belief that they, too, could aspire to leadership roles, which was profoundly humbling.
"Another highlight – and a massive shock – was winning a SHE Award for my contributions to Oxford’s community. The award now has pride of place in our living room.
"But the year also brought many challenges. The biggest of these came after Hamas’ terror attack on Israel and the subsequent invasion of Gaza.
"I believe in love for all and hatred for none, and I have tried to use my time as Lord Mayor to call for peace and an end to violence. I was proud to invite Dr Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom, to address Full Council in March about the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza; and I also organised a Peace Workshop at New College, which brought together people of all faiths from our city to discuss and build for peace.
"In its 800-year history, no one like me has ever been Lord Mayor of Oxford. I think I felt the weight of the chains of office a little more than some of my predecessors, but I tried to be a visible and vocal advocate for all Oxford’s residents.
"I hope I have inspired other people like me to seek leadership positions in Oxford, and I hope that I don’t hold my title as the youngest and only Muslim woman Lord Mayor in Oxford’s history for long. Having met many of Oxford’s school children over the last year, I’m sure I won’t."
Councillor Lubna Arshad
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