WORCESTER’s new first citizen has taken up residence in the Parlour at the Guildhall after Coun Allah Ditta was endorsed as mayor for the second time.
Coun Ditta takes over the chains of office from Coun Jabba Riaz and resumes a role he first undertook 15 years ago when he became the city’s first asian mayor in 2004.
Labour’s Coun Jo Hodges is the new deputy mayor of Worcester for the year and speaking after his election, Coun Ditta paid tribute to Worcester’s diverse communities.
“My door is open and one of my aims will be to strengthen communication between Worcester’s communities, bringing people together from all parts of the city,” he said.
“I look forward to a challenging but fulfilling year as Mayor of Worcester.”
Coun Ditta’s nominated charities during his mayoral year will be St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester Wheels and Headway Worcestershire. He will also be raising funds to support Worcester Cathedral.
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Coun Ditta moved to Worcester in 1967 and attended Samuel Southall School, which is now Bishop Perowne CE High School. He has been both employed and self employed, running a grocery store and a city taxi firm.
Coun Ditta was first elected to Worcester City Council in 2000. He is a member of Disability Sport Worcester, the West Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, and the Cemeteries and Crematorium Forum.
He is married to Naseem Akhtar, who will be Mayoress. The couple have six children and twelve grandchildren.
