Tributes Paid to UK’s First Asian Lord Mayor Manjula Sood

Tributes have been paid following the death of Manjula Sood, the UK’s first female Asian lord mayor, aged 80.

Ms Sood was described as “a dedicated servant to the Leicester community”. She also served as assistant mayor and Labour councillor for the Stoneygate ward.

According to her website, she arrived in Leicester from India in 1970 while studying for a PhD. She completed her studies and worked as a primary school teacher for around 20 years.

She became Leicester’s first female Hindu councillor in October 1996. She won a by-election triggered by the death of her husband, Paul, earlier that year.

In May 2008, she became Leicester’s and the UK’s first Asian female lord mayor.

She said at the time: “This is great news for a great city, especially as a woman who came here to make it her home.”

Shockat Adam, Independent MP for Leicester South, said he had been taught by Ms Sood. He said she touched “countless lives through her work and kindness”.

He said her death was “a great loss to the city of Leicester”.

Liz Kendall, Labour MP for Leicester West, said Ms Sood had “a massive impact on Leicester”. She also praised her for “championing women and our incredible diverse communities”.

Manjula Sood previously spoke about moving from a 25-room house in Ludhiana, Punjab, to a small Leicester flat.

She said: “There were no carpets and no heating and it was snowing. I told my husband ‘I’m not staying here’.

“But my granddad told me to make the most of it.

He said, ‘Definitely not – I have given you an education, now Leicester is your home and Britain is your country’.

“Now I am glad I stayed.”

Suleman Nagdi, of the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said Ms Sood was “a shining light – a woman of extraordinary compassion, dignity, and unwavering dedication”.

He added: “The void she leaves behind is immeasurable. We have lost a guide, a mentor, and a beautiful soul whose presence made the world a kinder place.”

Her website states she “faced and successfully overcame many challenges” early in her career.

It adds:

“She had to juggle learning politics with supporting her two children and looking after her elderly mother.”

During her year as lord mayor, Ms Sood became an MBE. She also received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Leicester.

A message on her website said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Manjula Sood, a loving mother and grandmother, and a dedicated servant of the Leicester community.

“Details of a memorial service will be shared in due course. The family kindly request privacy at this time and ask that there be no home visits.”