Who is Tushar Kumar, the 23-year-old who became UK’s youngest-ever Indian-origin mayor?

Tushar Kumar, a 23-year-old Labour Party councillor, has officially made history by becoming the youngest ever Indian-origin mayor in the United Kingdom.

Kumar’s appointment was formalised during the town council's annual Mayor Making Ceremony held at Fairway Hall in Borehamwood, where he assumed leadership of the Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council.

Reflecting on his ascent from local grassroots volunteer to the town's highest civic office, Kumar expressed profound gratitude to the community.

"From studying Political Science at King's College London to now serving as Mayor of the town I love, this journey has been truly surreal," Kumar said following his induction. "As Mayor, I want to focus on being present within the community, supporting local organisations and charities, and inspiring more young people to get involved in public service and community life."

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A prodigy of grassroots democracy

Kumar’s political journey began unusually early.

While pursuing his degree in Political Science at King's College London, he was first elected as a town councillor at the raw age of 20.

Politics runs in the family; Kumar has often credited his mother, Councillor Parveen Rani, a prominent local political figure and former Deputy Mayor, as his primary inspiration for entering public life.

Defying traditional notions that youth equates to a lack of experience, Kumar built a reputation across Hertfordshire for his tireless advocacy of youth integration, digital accessibility, and community cohesion.

Before stepping into the mayoral robes, Kumar served a comprehensive term as Deputy Mayor, working under the wing of outgoing Mayor Dan Ozarow. Kumar extended his gratitude to Ozarow "for his dedicated service to our town over the past year and for all the guidance and support he has given me."

Beyond politics

While Kumar maintains an active professional footprint, previously serving as a policy advisor for the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions, his impact on the local diaspora has been cultural as well as civic.

He runs free Hindi language classes for British-Indian children in the community to help younger generations stay connected to their roots.

Kumar has been a core organiser for major multicultural events in Borehamwood, heading local celebrations for Indian Independence Day, Republic Day, Diwali, and Holi.