Role of Lord Mayor
The role of Lord Mayor dates back to 3 June 1896. It is a civic, non-political, and non-executive position.
The 115th and current Lord Mayor is Councillor Zaker Choudhry.
The Lord Mayor acts as:
- Chair of the Council
- the first citizen of Birmingham
They represent:
- Birmingham and its people
- the Birmingham community at formal ceremonies, on both joyous and tragic occasions
The office of the Lord Mayor, with its deep-rooted tradition, stature, and impartiality, helps transcend barriers.
The Lord Mayor is the first citizen of Birmingham
Many of the Lord Mayor’s duties are ambassadorial, representing Birmingham and its people at home and abroad.
The Lord Mayor meets with:
- voluntary organisations
- charities
- employers
- agencies
- civic heads from other councils
- consular and diplomatic representatives
- visiting heads of state
- members of the royal family
Their responsibilities include:
- presiding as ceremonial head for the council at its civic functions and social occasions
- acting as a focal point in times of crisis, tragedy, or triumph
- hosting events, receiving and welcoming members of the royal family, dignitaries, and visitors
- taking part in functions as a representative of the people of Birmingham or the council
- maintaining relationships with the armed services and faith organisations
- working proactively for the Lord Mayor’s Charity and supporting many other charities
- promoting and raising the profile of many council initiatives and projects that benefit the citizens of Birmingham
- celebrating local success and recognising achievements, both internal and external to the council
- opening significant buildings, exhibitions, and businesses
- acting as a reassuring reminder of tradition and constancy in a volatile world
- acting as an ambassador for the city, both nationally and internationally
Council meetings
The Lord Mayor is the chair of council meetings.
This is a legal provision of the Local Government Act 1972 that enables council business to be carried out in an orderly and proper manner, having regard to:
- statutory obligations
- the council's constitution for the conduct of meetings
Page last updated: 17 June 2026
