Cllr Ehtesham Haque

Born and raised in Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque’s journey reflects both deep local roots and extraordinary civic ambition. His family relocated from London when he was just ten years old, and he grew up attending Richard Avenue Primary School and Thornhill Comprehensive School. Later, he pursued further education at Sunderland College, the University of Sunderland, and ultimately Cambridge University—a trajectory that combines local grounding with academic distinction
Ehthesham comes from a close-knit family; he lives with his wife and extended family in his childhood home, alongside his parents, one younger brother, and two younger sisters. Married recently, he remains deeply connected to the community he grew up in—where his commitment began mounting even after leaving school.
Professionally, Ehthesham works as a civil servant, yet his true passion has always been local politics and community welfare. In 2023, he emerged onto the political stage when he was elected as the Labour Councillor for Barnes Ward, a position that marked the start of his formal political career. Even before becoming mayor, he had launched initiatives like home insulation programs, championed trials for Universal Basic Income, and promised tougher enforcement against fly-tipping—demonstrating an early commitment to environmental and socio-economic issues.
He also served as a governor at Richard Avenue Primary School, nurturing his relationship with local education and youth engagement—effectively giving back to the institution where he once was a pupil.
In May 2025, Councillor Haque achieved a historic milestone: he was elected Mayor of Sunderland. At just 28 years old, he became the youngest person ever to hold the ceremonial mayoralty in the city. He also shattered glass ceilings by becoming Sunderland’s first mayor of Asian descent, and, as clarified by faith leaders, the first Muslim mayor the city has had.
Sworn in at Sunderland City Hall on 21 May 2025, Ehthesham assumed the office alongside Mayoress Lynda Scanlan, supported by Deputy Mayoress Carol Hopps, and Deputy Mayor Councillor Melanie Thornton.
Reflecting on this milestone, he called the appointment the "proudest achievement of my life so far" and said he was "honoured to serve the city of Sunderland", underlining both personal pride and civic responsibility.
Beyond ceremonial duties, Haque’s elevation to mayor has profound symbolic resonance. He is widely recognized as “a rising star” in local politics.
Mayor Haque has already signalled his enthusiasm for city-wide development projects, including the opening of a new footbridge connecting the old Vaux site to Sheepfolds, the unveiling of Culture House at Keel Square, and the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup hosted at the Stadium of Light.
True to the ceremonial scope of the mayoralty, Councillor Haque has selected two charities to support during his term: Hopespring and Love, Amelia—both aimed at alleviating child and family poverty. Throughout 2025–2026, he plans to champion fundraising events and raise their profile across Sunderland with civic energy.
Councillor Ehthesham Haque’s ascent to the mayoralty stands as a powerful statement about Sunderland’s diversity, youthful leadership, and path toward inclusion. His background as a Sunderland-raised civil servant, coupled with his rapid rise through community service roles—including as a school governor and ward councillor—speaks to his dedication and vision.
At just 28, he carries Sunderland's ceremonial title with humility and ambition. His appointment transcends ceremonial tradition—it signals a city eager to embrace change, unity, and shared progress—a vision he continues to embody and encourage.