Lord Mayor of Birmingham – Councillor Zaker Choudhry
Born in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and raised in a close‑knit rural community, Councillor Choudhry’s early life was shaped by strong family values of faith, service and integrity.
Several generations of his family served in the armed forces, including his father, who was recognised by King George VI in 1945 for his contribution during the Second World War. These influences instilled in him a lasting sense of duty and civic responsibility.
Councillor Choudhry moved to Birmingham in 1969 at the age of 14. He was enrolled at Oldknow School in Small Heath, embracing the challenges of a new language, education system and culture. While studying, he worked in manufacturing as a gas welder and later progressed to senior operational roles, gaining extensive experience in workforce management and organisational leadership.
Alongside his professional career, he developed successful business interests in property and local enterprises, becoming a respected figure within Birmingham’s business community.
His public service career began when he was first elected as a councillor in 2006. Since then, he has represented communities in Bordesley Green and South Yardley, building a reputation as a pragmatic and approachable local representative with a strong focus on neighbourhood wellbeing, infrastructure and public safety.
His wider civic roles have included serving as:
- a lead member of the West Midlands Police Authority
- Vice Chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- membership of strategic transport and planning bodies
Charitable and community engagement has been a defining feature of his public life. Councillor Choudhry has long supported food banks and local voluntary organisations across Birmingham and played an active role in coordinating community support during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
As chairman of his local mosque, he has helped lead significant fundraising efforts for Birmingham‑based charities and has also contributed directly to international humanitarian relief, including following the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
He will be supported during his mayoral year by his Lady Mayoress, Zubeda Rashid, who was born and raised in Birmingham. Educated locally, the Lady Mayoress is widely admired for her resilience, compassion and dedication to family and community. She has consistently demonstrated courage and inner strength, qualities that have shaped her supportive role throughout her husband’s public service journey. Zubeda lives with severe epilepsy; despite this she has been a constant source of support to the Lord Mayor. Together, they share a strong commitment to hospitality, inclusion and service. They have 5 children and 9 grandchildren.
As Lord Mayor, Councillor Choudhry will act as an ambassador for Birmingham, presiding as ceremonial head for the council over its civic functions and social occasions.
He will also act as a focal point in times of crisis, tragedy or triumph.
Colleagues and associates describe the councillor as humble, meticulous and approachable, an individual who prioritises practical action over rhetoric. He maintains a strong commitment to engaging with residents across all backgrounds, consistently investing time in understanding and addressing everyday concerns. Within his family life, he is regarded as a stabilising presence who encourages educational attainment and active civic participation.
His ambition is to foster unity across Birmingham’s diverse communities and to reinforce a renewed and enduring sense of civic pride. He is a committed supporter of Birmingham’s voluntary sector, championing a wide range of charities across the city and recognising the collective efforts of those working to support the city’s most vulnerable communities. Fundraising for the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Charity will of course be at the forefront of his mind during his year in office.
Interests
- Sport.
- Travel.
- Community service.
- Nature walks
Dietary requirements
- Halal.
- Vegetarian.
- No alcohol.
Page last updated: 17 June 2026
