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I was
born in Kashmir. My family left Pakistan to move to Leeds when I
was a young boy - just nine years old.
I went
to various schools in Leeds and then became a businessman.
Outside
work people always brought their problems to me to be solved. For
this reason I went into politics.
I joined the Labour party and was elected to Leeds city council
in 1999 as representative for City
and Hunslet ward. This community was shocked when it was discovered
that some of the London bombers had lived there.
Bringing communities together
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| Cllr
Iqbal at Leeds Civic Hall reception |
My nomination
has sent a strong message to communities across the city and I look
upon this as an opportunity to bring different communities together.
I think the city has a lot to offer. If you want to get involved
you get rewarded. Everyone should realise they are an important
part of society.
A
Leeds man
I
see myself as a Leeds man and proud of it and view being Lord Mayor
as a massive opportunity to do some good. I'm determined to give
it my maximum.
I
have helped to raise money to send to Kashmir to assist the victims
of the 2006 earthquake. I went to Kashmir in December 2005 to see
for myself the full extent of the devastation.
As
Lord Mayor I am able to choose a few charities to contribute to.
My priority is to raise some money for local charities in Leeds
but I can dedicate part of the money to something in Kashmir and
I'm working on that.
Once I take up my new role in May 2006 me and my consort, my daughter
Sayeka, will have very little free time. During my year of office
I expect to represent Leeds at over 1,000 events.
| This
article is user-generated content (ie external contribution)
expressing a personal opinion, not the views of BBC Leeds. |
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