The Mayor of Rotherham for 2026-2027 is Councillor Haroon Rashid.
To be entrusted with the role of Mayor of Rotherham to serve as your First Citizen is the greatest honour of my life. I accept this responsibility with deep pride, but also with humility, knowing that my story is not mine alone. It is a story shaped by family, sacrifice, opportunity, and the enduring values that define our borough.
My journey begins generations before me. My grandfather, born in Kashmir, joined the British Navy at just 11 years old and went on to serve with courage during the Second World War. My father continued that legacy here in Rotherham, working in the steel industry, helping to build the backbone of our town. From them, I learned what hard work, resilience, and service truly mean.
I stand here today as the first in my family to attend university, something that once felt out of reach. Education opened doors for me, but it was their belief in me that made it possible. That belief is something I carry with me every single day.
Like many people starting out, my path was not straightforward. I began my career in a call centre at Silkstone House, one of just 21 employees at Ventura. That company would go on to become Capita, but for me, it was where I learned the importance of dedication, teamwork, and growth. My work took me across the country, including to Wales, where I developed skills that continue to shape how I lead and serve.
Driven by ambition and a desire to make a difference, I moved to London and worked in Brixton, helping people overcome barriers and find employment. There, I saw firsthand how a job can restore dignity, transform families, and create hope. It is an experience that has stayed with me ever since.
But Rotherham has always been home.
I returned to serve my community, first in Human Resources, then in the housing Sector where I saw firsthand how something as fundamental as a safe, secure home can change lives. It reinforced what I have always believed, when people are supported, they thrive.
Throughout my life, I have spent time with our elderly residents listening to their stories, learning from their experiences, and understanding the sacrifices that built the Rotherham we know today. Their wisdom guides me, and their legacy inspires me to serve with integrity.
The values my parents taught me were simple, stay humble, stay respectful, no matter where life takes you. These words resonate with me daily and will define my time as Mayor. My greatest supporter, mentor and role model has always been my father, who I am proud to say will stand beside me as my Consort.
As Mayor, I will be focused, determined, and inclusive.
Sport has played a huge role in my life. Football is my passion, and cricket taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork. These are lessons that shape character and I want every young person in Rotherham to have access to those same opportunities.
Giving back has always been part of who I am. I have supported causes close to many of our hearts from the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, dementia friendly initiatives, and appeals supporting flood victims.
As Mayor, I will continue that commitment through my four chosen charities supporting Rotherham Military Community Veterans Centre, Rotherham Opportunities College, Sense Rotherham and the Unity Centre Rotherham.
At my core, I’m a family man. I’m convinced that when we strengthen our families, we strengthen our communities and that’s how we build a stronger Rotherham.
This role is not something I take lightly. It is a privileged one I will honour every single day. Together, we will celebrate who we are, respect where we have come from, and build a future that is ambitious, inclusive, and full of pride.
Rotherham’s best days are ahead of us.
And I am proud to walk that journey with you.
The Mayor's Charities for 2026/27 will be:
- Rotherham Military Community Veterans Centre (MCVC) (Charity No.1169595) Rotherham Military Community Veterans Centre (MCVC), is a Rotherham based charity that supports veterans, serving personnel and their families by providing companionship, mentoring and welfare support.
- Rotherham Opportunities College (Charity No.1214453) Rotherham Opportunities College is a small, specialist provision based in Rotherham, supporting young people aged 16 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Sense, Rotherham (Charity No.289868) Sense, Rotherham is a charity offering dedicated places for people with complex disabilities, including deaf blindness, to develop communication skills, independence and take part in arts and sports activities. This is all supported by skilled, specialist staff and specially designed facilities and equipment.
- The Unity Centre Rotherham (Charity No.1090559) The Unity Centre Rotherham is a multi-purpose community resource that provides a wide range of services, activities and meeting spaces for people of all ages across Rotherham.
