New Delhi: Tushar Kumar has made history by becoming the youngest Indian-origin mayor of the United Kingdom’s Elstree & Borehamwood at just 23 years old.
His mayoral appointment was confirmed during the council’s Mayor Making Ceremony held at Fairway Hall in Borehamwood on 13 May.
As mayor, Tushar is expected to lead the town council, oversee civic events, represent the town at official functions, community events, and charity activities, and serve as its ambassador.
But this is not Tushar’s first foray into politics. At just 20 years old, Tushar was first elected as a councillor while he was a student at King’s College London. His win helped the Labour Party take control of the town council for the first time in a century. After a recount, he won by just one vote—securing 832 votes and becoming one of the youngest councillors in the UK.
There was no looking back after that. By 2025, he was appointed Deputy Mayor.
According to a London Daily article, Tushar reflected on the significance of taking on public responsibility at such a young age during his speech at Fairway Hall. He said that he hoped his victory would encourage more young people to step forward, participate in public life, and work toward bettering their communities.
“As Mayor, I want to focus on being present within the community, supporting local organisations and charities, and inspiring more young people to get involved in public service and community life,” he said.
Tushar also credits his time with the University Officers’ Training Corps for developing the necessary discipline and leadership skills that later shaped his political career.
Apart from his active participation in local politics, he has also worked as a policy advisor for the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions.
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An iconic mother-son duo
Born in India, Kumar moved to London when he was 10 years old. Despite building a life in Britain, he has remained closely connected to his Indian roots.
He volunteers as a Hindi teacher at the Hindi Shiksha Parishad UK, helping children from the Indian diaspora stay connected to their language and culture.
His mother, Parveen Rani, served alongside him as a councillor and was also Deputy Mayor. In 2023, the mother-son duo made history when they were both elected as Labour councillors. Rani currently serves as the Global Envoy for Films and Television.
During his victory speech, Tushar also thanked his family, calling his mother his biggest inspiration. Rani was named Goodwill in Miss India UK 2018 and was also awarded Best Women Entrepreneur 2019 in India.
He has also been a key organiser of major multicultural events in Borehamwood, leading local celebrations for Indian Independence Day, Republic Day, Diwali, and Holi.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)