After serving Leicester as a councillor for over 40 years, Bhupen Dave has been given the honour of being the city’s 96th Lord Mayor – the “crowning glory” of his political career.
Since becoming a councillor in 1983, Cllr Dave has enjoyed many achievements, including being instrumental in establishing the twinning links between Leicester and the City of Rajkot in India – twinning links which still exist today.
However, nothing beats the honour that was bestowed upon him back in May – the opportunity to serve Leicester – the city he loves, as its latest Lord Mayor.
“In politics I’ve held a lot of positions including deputy leader of Leicester city council. I’ve chaired many committees and seen many things over the last 30-40 years, but this one is the crowning glory of all those things,” he tells Pukaar.
“It is a great honour and a privilege to serve the people of Leicester. I wasn’t expecting it to be honest.
“ My chains of office – I wear them with pride for the city of Leicester. It is not for me, it is for Leicester. I am just a conduit, ”but I’m planning to enjoy every minute!“
Born and educated in Uganda, Bhupen came to the UK in 1972 with his parents. After his university studies, he joined Leicestershire County Council as a qualified social worker and later joined Leicester City Council, from where he retired as Director of Community Care.
Before becoming Lord Mayor, Bhupen enjoyed a long career in politics and served as a city councillor from 1983 to 1995 when he represented Highfields and later Belgrave Wards. He was Deputy Leader of the City Council for many years
and has chaired and vice chaired almost all of the Council’s committees which has given him a vast knowledge of many of the of Council’s services.
He has also served as a local councillor for Oadby & Wigston Borough Council from 2012 to 2019. He was re-elected to the city council in May 2023 and now represents Rushey Mead Ward.
He describes himself as a “people person” – a community orientated individual who thrives on being with people and working alongside them for a common good.
“I like company and to involve myself in different organisations. This post allows me to do all that. It’ll give me the opportunity to go to different parts of Leicester, see different places, meet different people and attend different functions. I just like to meet people from different backgrounds, talk with them, enjoy it and help as much as I can,” he revealed.
“I love the diversity of Leicester and the tolerance of the people as well. The majority of people just want to get on with life and I like that. My attitude is to look forward not backward. Be positive and let’s work together to make Leicester a great city!”
Cllr Dave will be ably assisted in his role by the Lady Mayoress, his wife Usha.
He is looking forward to a packed schedule during his year in office.
“I plan to enjoy every moment and am looking forward to attending community events as much as executive functions,” he said.
“My school friends from Uganda are all thrilled about my new appointment. They are all over the world – Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and I got messages from all of them when they heard!
“To see one of their colleagues – one of their friends from their childhood days become the Lord Mayor of Leicester, is amazing.”
