Cllr Atiqul Hoque becomes first Muslim Mayor of Salisbury
He succeeds Cllr Tom Corbin today (Saturday 13th May)
Cllr Atiqul Hoque makes history today (Saturday 13th May) by becoming the first Mayor of Salisbury to be of Muslim faith and of British-Bangladeshi heritage.
Mayor Hoque served outgoing Mayor Corbin as deputy during his time as Mayor.
“It's an enormous privilege to serve the city I love, and it is extraordinary that I will become the first British Bangladeshi, Muslim mayor for Salisbury,” Mayor Hoque said.
During his year as Mayor, Cllr Hoque wants to focus on our local businesses: “I want to focus on the High Street.
“The businesses, they really are crying out for commercial help. As the Mayor of Salisbury, I want to promote them in the best possible way.
“We have so much to really shout about,” he added.
And as always, the Mayor selects charities to support over the course of their year in the role. This year, Mayor Hoque has chosen The Rotary Club, Wilton RDA and Salisbury Hospice.
Mayor Hoque explained his reasoning for each charity being selected:
“The Rotary Club really does a lot of tremendous work for the Community, and they really do donate 100% and really bring the community together.
“(At the Wilton RDA) the facility is absolutely excellent and it's our it's our duty to really look after the vulnerable and make them happy in whatever way we can.
“And the Salisbury Hospice, they support a fantastic service.”