In a moment of pride for India, 37-year-old Raj Mishra, the son of a farmer from Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur, has been elected the Mayor of Wellingborough, a historic market town in Northamptonshire, England. A member of the Conservative Party, Mishra was elected as the town's fifth mayor after winning the Victoria Ward in the May 6 local elections.

Raj Mishra's election is a significant milestone not only in his success but also for the Indian diaspora in Britain. Having grown up in humble circumstances in Mirzapur, Mishra's emergence as a civic leader in the East Midlands is being welcomed as an inspiring tale of grit and public service. It is an honour to serve as the Mayor of Wellingborough," Mishra said in a statement. “It is an honour to serve as the Mayor of Wellingborough,” Mishra said in a statement. “I am committed to working collaboratively with all residents to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community. Together, we will build a brighter future for our town.”

Mishra's Vision For Wellingborough

Renowned for his community-focused approach and local involvement, Mishra highlighted his leadership ethos of listening, accessibility, and integrity. “My approach to leadership is rooted in active listening and collaboration. I believe that every resident’s voice matters, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our town’s governance reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our community,” he stated. His role as mayor will involve chairing council meetings, attending ceremonial events, and acting as an important liaison between the council and the community in general.

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For his 2025-26 mayoral term, Mishra has chosen two local charities to become the champion, the Veterans Community Network and Louisa Gregory's Hospice Campaign. He hopes to utilise his platform to raise awareness, secure funding, and promote their valuable work all year round. “My focus will be on raising the profile of these organizations and securing vital resources for their missions,” he said, adding that community upliftment and support for vulnerable groups will remain central to his agenda.

Celebrations In Mirzapur

In his native city of Mirzapur, the news of Mishra's election was met with celebrations. Friends and relatives were proud of his success, referring to it as a moment of happiness and inspiration for the whole area. “This is not just a personal success for Raj but a proud moment for Mirzapur and India. His journey proves that dedication and public spirit can take you anywhere in the world,” a family member said to PTI.

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