At 23, Tushar Kumar is the UK’s youngest Indian-origin mayor. Inspired by his mother, who was also elected mayor this year, the Haryana-born politician is proving that age is no barrier to public service.
When Tushar Kumar was sworn in as Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council in Hertfordshire on May 13, 2026, he made history as the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the United Kingdom. Just a week later, history visited his family again. His mother, Parveen Rani, was elected Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council, becoming the council’s first Indian-origin mayor.
For the family that traces its roots to Rohtak in Haryana, the twin victories marked years of dedication to community service rather than a sudden rise in politics.
While Parveen had spent years serving as a councillor, it was watching her work that first inspired Tushar to enter public life. “I’ve seen her do work for the community, and she’s definitely an inspiring figure on the path that I’ve been on,” he told the BBC.
Tushar Kumar and his mother Parveen Rani (centre) with Linda Smith, deputy mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood
From Haryana to Hertfordshire
Born in Rohtak, Tushar moved to the United Kingdom with his family when he was 10. Like many immigrant children, he grew up balancing two cultures while building a life in Britain. He attended Loxford School in Ilford before studying Political Science at King’s College London. This year, alongside his mayoral responsibilities, he is preparing to begin a master’s degree in Political Economy at University College London (UCL).
His political journey began much earlier than most. At 20, while still at university, he contested local elections for both Hertsmere Borough Council and Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council.
The campaign brought disappointment and hope in equal measure. He narrowly missed winning a borough council seat but secured a place on the town council after a recount. Looking back, that setback became the first step towards becoming mayor just three years later.
Making history at 23
When asked how it felt to become the country’s youngest Indian-origin mayor, he admitted the moment was hard to believe. “It felt very surreal,” he said in an interview with CNBC-TV18.
The achievement quickly drew congratulatory messages from Britain and India, with members of the Indian diaspora celebrating his appointment as an example of young leadership breaking into British politics. Yet Tushar insists the title matters less than the responsibility that comes with it.
Politics, for him, is about people
Unlike national politicians, local councillors and mayors deal with everyday concerns that directly affect residents. For Tushar, the priorities are clear. Britain’s cost-of-living crisis, affordable housing and support for vulnerable families dominate his agenda.
Having served as deputy mayor before taking the top office, he met numerous charities working quietly to support people facing hardship. One of his key goals is to give those organisations greater visibility so that residents know where help is available.
He also sees politics as a form of service rather than a career. In one interview, he laughed off a question about whether mayors earn well, explaining that local politics is far from lucrative. He views the role as a passion driven by helping people rather than financial reward.
Giving young people a voice
Entering politics at 20 meant constantly being the youngest person in the room. Tushar admits that people sometimes underestimated him because of his age, but he believes younger leaders bring perspectives that established politicians often miss.
For him, representation matters. When young people see someone their own age holding public office, politics begins to feel accessible rather than distant. His advice to aspiring leaders reflects that belief. “Don’t wait until your thirties or forties to contribute to society,” he says. “Community service can begin at any age, and the earlier young people get involved, the greater the impact they can make.”
His own journey from university student to councillor, deputy mayor and now mayor has become proof of that philosophy.
Proudly British, proudly Indian
Growing up in Britain never weakened Tushar’s connection to his Indian roots. He often credits his upbringing and his parents for shaping his values, encouraging young people from immigrant backgrounds to stay connected to their culture while embracing the opportunities of the country they call home.
Tushar Kumar as a child with his mother, Parveen Rani, in India | Photo Credit: BBC
Speaking to the BBC, he said he was proud to be both British and Indian, adding that Britain had given him education, healthcare and friendships, and that public service was his way of giving back.
That journey has not been without challenges. Tushar has spoken openly about receiving racist comments on social media and worries that such behaviour is becoming increasingly common online. Yet he remains firm in his belief that Britain is his home and that public service is the best response to prejudice.
Aiming higher
Although becoming mayor is a significant milestone, Tushar sees it as only the beginning. For now, his focus is on serving the people who elected him, balancing the demands of local government with a master’s degree and continuing to champion charities that strengthen communities.
“I want to make sure that I’m available for the people because they’ve elected me. I want to be always approachable, and always be there for the people,” he said responding to a question about future goals, adding, “if a higher position is available, and if I can make use of that to help the people more, and to have more resources for a better approach to solving the problems, then definitely that’s something I would consider.” For now, Tushar Kumar has already demonstrated something remarkable.
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Inspired by a mother whose own commitment to public service made history this year, the 23-year-old has become part of a new generation of leaders showing that politics is not about age, but about purpose, persistence and the willingness to serve.
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