Tributes have been paid after the death of a councillor who became the UK’s first female Asian lord mayor.
Manjula Sood, who was 80, was described as “a dedicated servant to the Leicester community”, having also served as assistant mayor and Labour councillor for the Stoneygate ward in the city.
According to her website, Ms Sood came to Leicester from India, where she had been studying for a PhD, in 1970, and completed her studies before becoming a primary school teacher for about 20 years.
She became the city’s first female Hindu councillor in October 1996, after winning a by-election triggered by her husband Paul’s death earlier that year.
Twelve years later, in May 2008, she became the UK’s and Leicester’s first Asian female lord mayor, and said at the time: “This is great news for a great city, especially as a woman who came here to make it her home.”
Shockat Adam, Independent MP for Leicester South, said he was taught by Ms Sood and described how she touched “countless lives through her work and kindness”.
He said her death was “a great loss to the city of Leicester”.
Liz Kendall, Labour MP for Leicester West, also paid tribute to and said Ms Sood had had “a massive impact on Leicester”, as well as “championing women and our incredible diverse communities”.
Suleman Nagdi a spokesperson for the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said Ms Sood was “a shining light – a woman of extraordinary compassion, dignity, and unwavering dedication”.
“The void she leaves behind is immeasurable. We have lost a guide, a mentor, and a beautiful soul whose presence made the world a kinder place,” he said.
According to the biography section on her own website, Ms Sood “faced and successfully overcame many challenges” in her early career.
“She had to juggle learning politics with supporting her two children and looking after her elderly mother,” it says.
While serving as lord mayor, a position she held for a year, Ms Sood was appointed an MBE and awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Leicester.
A message on her website said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Manjula Sood, a loving mother and grandmother, and a dedicated servant of the Leicester community
“Details of a memorial service will be shared in due course. The family kindly request privacy at this time and ask that there be no home visits.”
