Councillor Habib Rahman (pictured above), who made history as Newcastle’s first South Asian Lord Mayor, has announced he will not seek re-election in the forthcoming local elections, bringing to an end 16 years representing Elswick Ward on Newcastle City Council.  

First elected in 2010, Rahman said the decision followed careful reflection and a belief that it was time to create space for new leadership.

He said: “Serving the community I have lived in all my life has been one of the greatest honours of my life. This has not been an easy decision, but renewal is essential in politics.”

Rahman grew up on a council estate in one of the most deprived parts of Newcastle; an experience he says shaped his political outlook long before entering public life. By his late teens he had resolved to pursue politics, believing meaningful change required engagement within democratic institutions.

At 37, he was among the youngest councillors in the chamber when first elected. Over the following decade he became a prominent voice on issues affecting working-class communities and minority groups.

In May 2021, Rahman made history when he was appointed Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne, becoming the first non-white, first Muslim and first Bangladeshi person to hold the office in the city’s 800-year mayoral tradition.

While acknowledging the historic significance of that milestone, Rahman said his proudest achievements lay in representing constituents and supporting families facing hardship.

“Public service is about people,” he said. “Over the past 16 years I have supported families in crisis, challenged policy decisions and worked to improve housing and services in Elswick and across Newcastle.”

One project closely associated with Rahman is the city’s Peace Garden, created as a space for remembrance and reflection for victims of war, violence and genocide. Developed with community groups, the garden includes memorials recognising the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the persecution of Roma communities during the Holocaust.

Rahman has also spoken publicly about the personal experiences that shaped his commitment to tackling racism. His father was killed in a racist attack, an event he has described as life-changing.

He said: “Challenging racism has never been abstract for me. It has always been personal.”

Originally elected as a Labour councillor, Rahman left the Labour Party (UK) in January 2024 and has since served as an Independent.

Although stepping down from the council, he said he intends to remain active in public life, campaigning on issues including health inequalities, mental health among young people and community cohesion. 

He also confirmed plans to stand again as an Independent candidate at the next general election in 2029.

He said: “Leaving elected office does not mean leaving public service.”

Reflecting on his time in office, Rahman said one of his greatest sources of pride had been inspiring greater participation in politics among younger generations.

He said: “Representation matters. If my journey has encouraged others to believe that politics is open to them, that is something I will always value.”

As he prepares to leave office, Rahman said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family while continuing his work in the community.

He said: “This is not the end of my political journey. It is simply a new chapter.”