Councillor Haroon Rashid appointed as 121st Mayor of Rotherham
He has previously served as a councillor in the Rotherham East ward, and was the Deputy Mayor of Rotherham for 2025/26
Councillor Haroon Rashid has been appointed Mayor of Rotherham.
He has previously served as a councillor in the Rotherham East ward, and was the Deputy Mayor of Rotherham for the 2025/26 municipal year.
Mayor Haroon Rashid will serve as the 121st Mayor of Rotherham.
He said: “The values my parents taught me were simple, stay humble, stay respectful, no matter where life takes you. These words resonate with me daily and will define my time as Mayor. My greatest supporter, mentor and role model has always been my father, who I am proud to say will stand beside me as my Consort.
“This role is not something I take lightly. It is a privileged one I will honour every single day. Together, we will celebrate who we are, respect where we have come from, and build a future that is ambitious, inclusive, and full of pride.
“Rotherham’s best days are ahead of us,” the Mayor said.
The role of Mayor of Rotherham is a largely ceremonial, civic role, which is elected annually, rather than an executive or decision-making role.
Councillors spoke highly of the new mayor.
Councillor Angham Ahmed, also of the Rotherham East ward, said: “He is a family man.
“I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding mayor,” she said.
Councillor Linda Beresford and cabinet member for housing said: “He has worked incredibly hard for his ward, and I know he will do the same for the borough because he cares about people.”
It is customary for the Mayor to choose four charities or organisations to support during their term. Mayor Rashid has chosen the following charities:
The Unity Centre – (Charity No.1090559) a multi-purpose community resource that provides a wide range of services, activities and meeting spaces for people of all ages across Rotherham.
Rotherham Military Community Veterans Centre (MCVC) – (Charity No.1169595) a Rotherham based charity that supports veterans, serving personnel and their families by providing companionship, mentoring and welfare support.
Sense, Rotherham – (Charity No.289868) a charity offering dedicated places for people with complex disabilities, including deaf blindness, to develop communication skills, independence and take part in arts and sports activities. This is all supported by skilled, specialist staff and specially designed facilities and equipment.
Rotherham Opportunities College – (Charity No.1214453) a small, specialist provision based in Rotherham, supporting young people aged 16 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities.
Councillor Rajmund Brent of the Hoober ward has been appointed as the Deputy Mayor.
Previous Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Rukhsana Ismail, who faced a lot of racial discrimination online, said in her final speech: “The narrative doesn’t define us, we define ourselves.”