A new mayor for Solihull has been chosen, becoming the 73rd person to hold the office. Councillor Sardul Marwa MBE was elected at the latest full council meeting, the first since the local elections. He was elected unopposed and will serve as mayor for the 2026/27 municipal year.
Deeply Honoured
Addressing fellow councillors, Marwa said: “I’m deeply honoured and truly humbled to accept the office. To be entrusted with this role by the members of the council is a privilege I will not take for granted.”
The new mayor, who represents the Conservative Party in St Alphege ward, was re-elected earlier this month to represent the newly formed St Alphege with Monkspath and Hillfield ward. He has served on various committees, including chairing the licensing committee, and sitting on the planning committee, the police and crime panel, and the children’s services and education scrutiny board.
Previous Service
Before joining Solihull Council, Marwa served as a Birmingham City councillor from 1982 to 1988, where he chaired the race relations and equal opportunities committee. He also chaired the Birmingham C1 police consultative committee, engaging with the community after the Handsworth Riots. In 1990, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him an MBE for his community service and work with young people.
Although the mayor’s role is largely ceremonial, representing the authority at formal events, Marwa will also chair full council meetings, which can be lengthy and lively. His wife, Satnam Marwa, will serve as mayoress. Councillor Alan Feeney has been selected as deputy mayor.
Feeney made headlines last year after leaving the Conservative group to help form a Reform UK grouping. He was reelected as a Castle Bromwich councillor and also won a seat on Birmingham City Council.
