Councillor Abdul Kadir has been elected as the 100th Lord-Mayor of Portsmouth, reaching the milestone during the city’s centenary year. The formal ceremony took place at Portsmouth City Council‘s Portsmouth Guildhall in May 2026.
Councillor Kadir, who represents the Baffins ward, has lived in the area for over 40 years after moving from Portsmouth’s sister city, Sylhet in Bangladesh. Reflecting on his new role during the city’s 100th anniversary since gaining city status on 21 April 1926, he stated: “To be elected as the 100th Lord-Mayor of this city, especially in this historic 100th year as a city, is an honour too great to put into words.”
In his inaugural pledge, the new Lord-Mayor committed to fostering unity across the region. “As mayor I will work to bring people together, wherever you’re from, wherever in the city you live, whatever faith you have, and create the opportunity to celebrate the things that unite us,” he said.
Councillor Kadir succeeds outgoing Lord-Mayor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, who raised approximately £47,000 for local causes during his time in office. This funding was distributed as grants to 78 charities, which included support for 20 food banks and pantries throughout the city.
Alongside the election of the new Lord-Mayor, Councillor Suzy Horton was elected as the Deputy Lord-Mayor for the 2026-27 term. Councillor Horton has deep roots in the area as the sixth generation of her family to call Portsmouth home.
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