Councillor Rukhsana Ismail has taken up the role of Mayor of Rotherham for 2025–2026, becoming the borough’s First Citizen and the 120th Mayor at the Council’s annual ceremonial meeting today.
With a strong background in voluntary work and public service, Councillor Ismail brings passion, experience, and a deep sense of civic responsibility to the role. She succeeds outgoing Mayor, Councillor Sheila Cowen, and is joined in office by her daughter, who will serve as her Consort — a moment of great personal pride and inspiration for the Mayor.
Councillor Ismail, who represents the Rotherham East Ward, has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable people — from frontline roles in domestic abuse services to becoming Chief Executive of a charity in Nottinghamshire. She also serves as a Magistrate, Vice Chair of Unison Sheffield, and trustee of several local charities — demonstrating a longstanding commitment to giving back to the community she now calls home.
Reflecting on her appointment, Councillor Ismail said: "This is a huge honour and responsibility. Being Mayor of Rotherham is not just a role — it’s a platform to champion the people, communities, and causes that make our borough special. I want to inspire others, especially young women and girls, to believe in themselves and know that anything is possible. If I can achieve this, so can they.”
During her Mayoral year, Councillor Ismail will support four charities that reflect the compassion, strength and diversity of Rotherham:
- Rotherham Hospice Trust – Providing specialist palliative care.
- Age UK Rotherham – Supporting older residents to live well.
- Sense Rotherham – Empowering people with complex communication needs.
- Apna Haq – Supporting BME women and girls affected by violence.
“These charities speak to the heart of what matters in Rotherham – care, dignity, inclusion and hope,” the Mayor added. “Together, they represent every stage of life and every corner of our community.”
Mayor’s Parade – Saturday 17 May, All Saints’ Square from 10.45am.
Residents are warmly invited to join in celebrating Rotherham’s civic traditions and welcome the new Mayor at this annual event. Watch the ceremonial procession as it makes its way through the town centre, marking the start of the new Mayoral year.
Please note: Free parking is available on Saturdays in all Council-owned off-street car parks in Rotherham town centre. No ticket is required, although normal maximum duration limits still apply.
For information about the Parade route visit www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk
For more information on the Mayor’s Office and civic events, visit: www.rotherham.gov.uk/mayor
