Long-term resident Zahra Beg sworn in as 62nd Mayor of Barnet

Councillor Zahra Beg has officially taken office as the 62nd Mayor of Barnet following a swearing-in ceremony at Hendon Town Hall. The appointment, confirmed during the Annual Council Meeting on Tuesday, 19 May, sees Cllr Beg succeed the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Danny Rich.

Cllr Beg, who has lived in Barnet for more than 30 years and raised her family in the borough, represents the Underhill Ward. Her appointment follows a period of recognition for long-standing community service across the district, highlighting a focus on local figures with deep roots in the area. Her daughter, Ms Aliyah Sapsard, will serve alongside her as Mayoress.

New Civic Ambassador post created to foster local pride

A significant addition to the mayoral team this year is the newly created role of Civic Ambassador, filled by Cllr Lachhya Bahadur Gurung. This position was established to support the mayoralty in building goodwill and positive engagement both within the Barnet community and with external partners.

Cllr Gurung, a resident since 2005 and an 18-year veteran of the Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army, will be supported by his wife, Mrs Shova Gurung, as Consort. The role is intended to serve as a bridge for civic pride, focusing on the diverse groups that comprise the modern borough.

Leadership team brings military and educational experience

The Deputy Mayor for the upcoming term is Cllr Humayune Khalick, representing Colindale South. Born in Camden but raised in Barnet from the age of two, Cllr Khalick has served as a school governor at Sunnyfields Primary School and Vice-Chair of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Panel. His wife, Mrs Shama Khalick, takes on the role of Deputy Mayoress.

Mayor Zahra Beg enters the role with extensive experience in local governance, having previously served as a Cabinet Member for Equalities and Poverty Reduction. As a governor at Underhill School and a member of the Health & Wellbeing Board, her tenure is expected to focus on the voluntary sector and community health initiatives. Cllr Beg stated her primary objective is to meet the residents who contribute to the borough’s unique character throughout her term.

Source: Barnet Council

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Source check Civic Record

This report is based on official proceedings from the Barnet Annual Council Meeting and biographical data provided by the local authority.

Checks

• Verified appointment of the 62nd Mayor via Council minutes
• Confirmed biographical details of the mayoral team
• Validated the establishment of the new Civic Ambassador role

Barnet Council News Check Barnet Council leadership

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Barnet Council News

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Barnet, United Kingdom

Updated

2026-05-22 12:18

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Article contextPeople & topics3#6

Zahra BegLachhya Bahadur GurungHumayune Khalick

#Barnet Council#Community Leadership#Hendon Town Hall#Local Government#Underhill Ward#Zahra Beg

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