The Lord Mayor of the City of Stoke-on-Trent for the 2007-08 was Councillor Bagh Ali. His consort was Miss Sophia Bagh. Bagh Ali was born in Pakistan and has lived in Stoke-on-Trent since 1970. When he first moved to the city he worked on the Michelin tyre plant, and has also worked in the local pottery industry. Since 1981, Councillor Ali has been successfully self-employed as a taxi driver.
On being elected to the City Council in 1996, Councillor Ali began a dedicated career as a Councillor and has played a full part in the municipal and civic life of Stoke-on-Trent, a city he himself describes as 'beautiful'.
Councillor Ali is the son of a veteran of the Second World War, who fought in Singapore and the Far East and was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese during the conflict. One of the key themes of Councillor Ali's year in office will be to promote civic pride in all the citizens of our City, regardless of their colour, race, or creed.
During his long service as a member of the City Council, Councillor Ali has held a deep interest in the environment, transport, and community safety. Councillor Ali has combined these interests in specific policy areas with service as a school governor and work in his ward of Longton South.
Married to Farzand Begum since 1974, Councillor Ali has six children and four grandchildren. In his spare time, Councillor Ali is an avid supporter of Stoke City and a keen follower of cricket.
