She took up the chain of office at the council’s annual meeting, on Tuesday from Ashton councillor Mike Glover, making history to become the borough’s first Muslim and ethnic minority mayor.

Her family and friends watched the ceremony, traveling from London, Luton and Leeds, attending alongside civic dignitaries including Mossley MP Jonathan Reynolds. 

Cllr Sharif, who has represented Mossley since 2016, is a law graduate and works in the courts service, serving as a justice of the peace. She is also a school governor and charity trustee.

She is the current Deputy Mayor and as a Tameside councillor is chair of the children’s scrutiny panel and a member of the overview panel, speakers panel (licensing) and the east strategic neighbourhood forum.

Cllr Sharif was a member of Luton Council from 2011 to 2015 and during that time was named LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) Young Councillor of the Year. From 2012 to 2014, she was deputy police and crime commissioner for Bedfordshire.

Her interests include spending time with her family, including her four children; walking, reading and listening to motivational and inspiring podcasts while on the go.

The Civic Mayor-elect said: “It’s a matter of great pride to me that I will be Tameside’s first Muslim and ethnic minority civic mayor, and that during my term of office the borough will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2024.

“I feel my appointment is symbolic of Tameside being a welcoming and diverse place where people are judged on their qualities. I am truly honoured to be given the responsibility of representing the borough and all its residents.

“My aim is to make my work and engagements as civic mayor as meaningful as possible, by guiding and inspiring others, particularly acting as a role model for our young people. I want to open doors for many and bring our flourishing communities closer together.”

During her year of office, Cllr Sharif will be supported by her husband, Dr Faisal Parvez, who takes the role of consort.

In another first for Tameside, her chaplain will be Imam Ghulam Mohiyuddin from Ashton Central Mosque, alongside Imam Olasheni Junaid, a Muslim chaplain at Tameside Hospital. 

The new deputy mayor-elect is Cllr Betty Affleck from Hyde Godley ward.

Cllr Eleanor Wills seconded her appointment and in a speech paid tribute to Cllr Sharif’s achievements, saying she was a wonderful example to others and especially women, not only in her own community.

The new Mayor will support a number of charities throughout her year in the role, choosing charities she said that meant something to her personally as well as Tameside.

Homestart, We Shall Overcome, and the charity West African Development.

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