Proud day as first city mayor of Indian heritage takes up office

The City of Bath has welcomed its first mayor of Indian heritage in a history-making ceremony in Bath Abbey on Saturday.

- John Wimperis Local democracy reporter

Dr Bharat Pankhania was unanimously elected as Mayor of Bath by the city's charter trustees on Saturday, June 7.

The role dates back to 1189 when the city was first given a charter to have a mayor, and he is the 798th in the unbroken list of names which stretches back to the first recorded Mayor of Bath in 1230, John de Porta.

The Combe Down councillor told the about 300 people at the ceremony in Bath Abbey: "It is with immense pride, deep humility, and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the newly appointed Mayor of the City of Bath.

"Our beautiful city is a city which wears its heritage with grace and carries its future with confidence. To serve as mayor of this rare double-inscribed World Heritage Site is one of the greatest honours of my life."

In a speech defiant against rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, Dr Pankhania said: "Despite what some under-educated politicians may want us to think, diversity is our strength - and equality and inclusivity. I am your DEI example."

In another first, Dr Pankhania is the first mayor of Bath to choose a non-religious person to serve as the mayor's chaplain.