Ramsgate councillors have elected businesswoman and mum-of-two Raushan Ara as the town’s new mayor.
Raushan Ara, who owns the Ramsgate Tandoori, is a Labour councillor who devotes much of her time trying to improve the situation for homeless people in the town.
She said: “I plan to continue my work as a community activist, organising like minded people to work together for the benefit of all.
“I look forward to working with others for the benefit of all members of our diverse community.
“I am delighted to become the town’s mayor — it is a great honour.”
Raushan is also the town’s first Asian mayor, which has been highlighted as a major step forward for ethnic minorities on the isle.
Aram Rawf, Black Asian Minority Ethnic officer for South Thanet Labour Party, who was born in Iraq, said: “This is a great step forward for ethnic minorities in this area. There are racist elements here who would seek to divide our community and we must be united against them.
“Just four years ago Nigel Farage tried to become MP for this area on an anti-foreigner, anti-immigrant platform. Now we have an Asian mayor. That’s what I call progress.”
Raushan takes over the role from four-times mayor Trevor Shonk. Jane Hetherington has been elected as the new deputy mayor.
