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 a few weeks ago.
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.”
