Nuneaton and Bedworth to have its first ever Gurkha Mayor

[dutchman]

His deputy is also set to write her name into the history books too



Nuneaton and Bedworth is to have its first ever Gurkha mayor. Councillor Bhim Saru has been chosen to be the borough's next first citizen.

He will write his name into the council's history books when he takes the chains of office in May as he will be the first ever Gurkha Mayor. The borough proudly plays home to a 3,000 strong Gurkha and Nepalese community and boasts a unique memorial to the Gurkha regiment that is based at nearby Bramcote Barracks.

Businessman and community champion Om Gurung, MBE, became the first ever Gurkha Freeman of the borough back in 2022. And now Cllr Saru is set to become the first Gurkha to become Mayor of the two towns.

His new deputy, Cllr Tracey Sheppard will write her name into the history books too. She will become the third member of her family to hold one of the authority's top ranks.

Her dad, former councillor Bill Sheppard held the position of Centenary Mayor in 2007/2008. Then her mum, current deputy leader, Cllr Jill Sheppard was mayor in 2016/2017.

Both Cllrs Saru and Sheppard were chosen to be the next Mayor and deputy mayor at the annual budget setting meeting. Nominating Cllr Saru, Cllr Brady Hughes said: "As many of you know, he is a local businessman in the borough, Saru Embroidery, so hugely contributing to the town centre.

"For any of you don't know, he is a former Army officer, for over 30 years. He currently works as the community leader for the Nepalese and Gurkha community and is the chair of the British Gurkha Veterans Association.

"He is a really helpful and caring resident of the borough, he always picks up his messages and phone calls whenever there is residents' concerns. Therefore I think he will be an outstanding option as Mayor."

The Conservatives had put alternatives forward for the two positions, Cllr Will Markham for Mayor and Cllr Michael Bird for deputy. Neither received enough votes.

The current Mayor, Cllr Bill Hancox, will hand over the chains of office to Cllr Saru, his current deputy, during a full council meeting on Wednesday, May 14.

He has dedicated his year in office to raising funds to help the breast care unit at the George Eliot Hospital. His last fund-raiser is due to be held at the Stockingford Pavilion on May 10.