Croydon’s new Civic Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Islam, has been appointed at a special mayor making ceremony at Annual Council yesterday (27 May).
Councillor Islam has proudly called Croydon home since 1980, after moving from Ipswich. The Selhurst ward councillor has lived in Selhurst for 22 years with his wife, Farhana, and four children, and works as an approved driving instructor.
Councillor Islam is a founding member of the British Bangladeshi Society of Croydon (BBSC), which offers educational, cultural, and wellbeing support to the community. He said that during his term he is committed to promoting inclusion, mutual respect, and bringing communities together across Croydon.
The Civic Mayor performs ceremonial and public duties during their term. This is a different role to the Executive Mayor, who is elected by the residents of Croydon every four years to lead the Council.
Councillor Islam said: “It is a privilege and a tremendous honour to serve as Civic Mayor and to represent our diverse borough in a role dedicated to public service. I look forward to engaging with residents, community groups, and local organisations to help ensure that everyone feels represented and valued, while continuing to support the borough as a place where people can live, work, and flourish.
“I am also eager to use the year ahead to champion and raise awareness of my chosen charities which will be formalised shortly.”
Assisting the Civic Mayor is the new Deputy Civic Mayor, Councillor Scott Roche. The Shirley South ward councillor was previously cabinet member for streets and environment, where he worked on a range of areas including transport, sustainability, and environmental services. Before entering local government, Councillor Roche worked in Parliament as a senior caseworker for MPs.
Councillor Roche said: “I have always been passionate about working with residents, friends’ groups, community organisations and local volunteers, who do so much for our borough and local neighbourhoods. Croydon has strong and diverse communities and I look forward to meeting residents from across the borough, supporting local events and initiatives, and helping bring people together throughout the year ahead.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “I would like to congratulate Councillor Islam and Councillor Roche on being appointed to serve their community in this historic, civic role. It is a great honour to be chosen and I wish them well for their term.”
To book the Civic Mayor or Deputy Civic Mayor to attend a community event, please apply two weeks in advance by filling out a form on the Council website.
