By KLTV Newsdesk –

Ceremony at Huddersfield Town Hall will mark the official handover this May

The new Kirklees Civic Team for 2025-26 has been officially announced, with Councillor Elizabeth Smaje set to become Mayor of Kirklees, and Councillor Munir Ahmed taking on the role of Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Elizabeth Smaje to Lead the Borough

Currently serving as Deputy Mayor, Councillor Elizabeth Smaje will become Mayor of Kirklees at a formal ceremony in May.

Reflecting on her time as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Smaje said: “I’ve had a busy and enjoyable year as the Deputy Mayor of Kirklees, meeting some fantastic people, businesses and groups in our borough.

“In my year as the first citizen of Kirklees, I want to promote the incredible work that is being done in all our communities, and I am looking forward to meeting more groups and individuals who make a difference in their areas.”

Cllr Smaje was first elected to represent the Birstall and Birkenshaw ward in 2004. She currently serves as joint chair of the Calderdale and Kirklees Joint Health Scrutiny Committee and as Chair of the West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

A New Deputy Mayor: Cllr Munir Ahmed

Joining the Civic Team as Deputy Mayor is Councillor Munir Ahmed, who was elected to the Dalton Ward in May 2024 and appointed as cabinet member for Environment and Highways just two months later.

Cllr Ahmed shared his thoughts on the appointment: “It is a privilege to be joining the Civic Team for the upcoming year as Deputy Mayor of Kirklees.

“This is a great opportunity to find out more about what is happening across the borough and supporting the mayor during her term in office.”

In addition to his cabinet role, Cllr Ahmed is the lead spokesperson for Kirklees Council for West Yorkshire Joint Services and a member of the West Yorkshire Climate, Energy and Environment Committee.

He also holds board positions with Suez Recycling and Recovery UK and Kirklees Community Housing.

Mayor Making Ceremony Details

The new Civic Team will officially take office during the Mayor Making Ceremony on Wednesday 21 May 2025, at Huddersfield Town Hall. The event begins at 12.30 pm, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend.

Guests should arrive via Princess Street and be seated by 12.20 pm to witness the historic occasion.