The Mayor

About the Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The Mayor and his interests

Cllr Mumtaz Hussain

I am very proud to be born and bred in Dewsbury, west. I studied at Ravensthorpe Junior School, and then Westborough High School, and all of my family, including my extended family, live in Dewsbury. I am also a self-employed business man in Kirklees. I have been a Taxi driver for over 20 years, and I enjoy working and interacting with local people. I have been married for 31 years, and my wife Noreen and I have 5 children. I am a proud family man and have recently become a grandfather - one of the happiest moments in my life.

I have enjoyed representing all residents of my ward over the last thirteen years as a local councillor, and am privileged to represent the Dewsbury West ward.

I have a young and go-ahead outlook on life, and I take my profession very seriously.

Over the last year I have enjoyed representing the borough as Deputy Mayor - it has been a privilege to meet so many people doing fantastic work for the good of the borough.

It is a great honour to be elected Mayor of Kirklees for the coming year, and I look forward to meeting and supporting the many community groups, schools, businesses and charities in our borough. I am excited for the year ahead.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees, Councillor Mumtaz Hussain and Noreen Hussain

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Nigel Patrick and his interests

Nigel was born in 1963 in Barnborough and moved to the Holme Valley with his family in 1968 where the family took up farming. Nigel and his older brother Richard went to Shepley nip School, Kirkburton Middle School and Shelley High School. Sadly Nigel's father died suddenly in 1977 and the two sons were brought up by their mother at the farm high on the hills above New Mill. Both boys went onto higher education and graduated; Nigel in Biology and Richard in English Literature.

Having spent over 6 months of his degree course in Scotland working for the Forestry Commission, Nigel returned to Edinburgh in 1985 to work for the Forestry Commission as a research worker, spending a good deal of time in the forests of Southern Scotland. He went onto further research in the field of tree pathology at The University of Leeds and later at The University of East Anglia where he studied Watermark Disease of Cricket Bat Willow Trees.

On completion of these research contracts Nigel returned home to the farm, where after his brothers' sudden death in a climbing accident in the Lake District, he settled, taking a position at Leeds City Council in the Parks & Countryside Service in 1991.

Politics never really featured in Nigel's life although looking back at school reports there may be some clues, and as the shy boy of the class grew in confidence, it is said he developed strong opinions. In 1995 Cllr Donald Firth asked Nigel if he would stand for The Holme Valley Parish Council. Nigel was convinced he would not be elected and politely agreed to do it. Nigel went on to serve The Parish Council for eight years and was made Chairman in 2002/3. In the same year Nigel was elected to Kirklees Council as Ward Councillor for Holme Valley South. Since then Nigel has held a number of important positions within The Conservative Group and on The Council, and was Chairman of Scrutiny from 2011 to 2015.

Nigel is married to Judith and they live in Netherthong. Judith shares Nigel's love for all things countryside and together they farm a small herd of Hereford cows and a small flock of Hebridean sheep. For Nigel it is a great honour to serve Holme Valley South and the communities he grew up around, and he is honoured to be serving the borough as Deputy Mayor.

The Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Kirklees, Councillor Nigel Patrick and Judith Patrick

The Mayor's charity appeal

During my term as Mayor I will be supporting 2 charities which are close to my heart - Diabetes UK and The Samaritans.

I was diagnosed with Diabetes a number of years ago and know that is something which many people suffer from. I am keen to help raise awareness that small changes in lifestyle can make a big difference and help prevent diabetes developing in the first place.

Diabetes UK is the UK's leading diabetes charity. Diabetes is a serious and often hidden condition, one which can have devastating and life-changing consequences. The charity raises funds for research into Diabetes and supports those affected by the condition.

I've also chosen to support The Samaritans following personal experience of helping someone I knew who was struggling with issues going on in their life. The sense of helplessness I felt throughout this experience, and a visit as Deputy Mayor to an event organised by a local Samaritans Branch, led me to my decision to support the charity.

The Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. The charity runs almost entirely with the support of volunteers, and offers help to those in need 24/7 - before, during and after a crisis.

I would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to get involved and organise a charity fundraiser for my Charity Appeal (for both charities). Please contact me at mumtaz.hussain@kirklees.gov.uk should you wish to discuss any ideas.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Mumtaz Hussain

Invite the Mayor

The Mayor welcomes invitiations from organisations, schools, community groups, local businesses etc. However, at busy times it may not be possible to attend every event, and where possible the Deputy Mayor will attend. If the Mayor is able to accept your invitation you will be asked to complete a more detailed mayoral engagement form. You must submit your invitation at least three weeks before the date of the event.