Tributes Flow Following the Passing of the UK’s First Female Asian Lord Mayor

Heartfelt tributes have emerged in response to the passing of a prominent councillor who made history as the first female Asian lord mayor in the United Kingdom.

Manjula Sood, who lived to the age of 80, was hailed as “a dedicated servant to the Leicester community.” She had previously held the roles of assistant mayor and Labour councillor for the Stoneygate ward in Leicester.

According to her personal website, Ms. Sood arrived in Leicester from India in 1970 while pursuing a PhD. After completing her studies, she dedicated around two decades to teaching at a primary school.

In October 1996, she became Leicester’s first female Hindu councillor after winning a by-election that followed the death of her husband, Paul.

By May 2008, she made history again by becoming the UK’s and Leicester’s first Asian female lord mayor, expressing her pride by stating, “This is great news for a great city, especially as a woman who came here to make it her home.”

Shockat Adam, an Independent MP for Leicester South, reflected on his experiences with Ms. Sood, noting that her influence touched “countless lives through her work and kindness.” He emphasized that her death marks “a great loss to the city of Leicester.”

Liz Kendall, the Labour MP for Leicester West, also honored Ms. Sood, stating that she had made “a massive impact on Leicester,” while championing women and the city’s diverse communities.

Ms. Sood’s journey began when she transitioned from a spacious 25-room residence in Punjab to a modest flat on an inner-city estate in Leicester with her husband. She recalled the challenging conditions: “There were no carpets and no heating and it was snowing. I told my husband, ‘I’m not staying here.'”

However, she found encouragement from her grandfather, who urged her to embrace her new life: “I have given you an education, now Leicester is your home and Britain is your country. Now I am glad I stayed.”

Suleman Nagdi from the Federation of Muslim Organisations described Ms. Sood as “a shining light – a woman of extraordinary compassion, dignity, and unwavering dedication.” He added, “The void she leaves behind is immeasurable. We have lost a guide, a mentor, and a beautiful soul whose presence made the world a kinder place.”

Her biography on her website highlights that Ms. Sood “faced and successfully overcame many challenges” throughout her career, balancing the demands of her political aspirations with raising her two children and caring for her elderly mother.

During her tenure as lord mayor, a position she held for one year, she received an MBE and an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Leicester.

A message on her website conveyed the family’s grief: “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Manjula Sood, a loving mother and grandmother, and a dedicated servant of the Leicester community.”

They also announced that details of a memorial service would be provided later and requested privacy during this difficult time, asking for no home visits.