Following many years working as a human rights lawyer, alongside his commitments as local councillor for Longsight for the last 15 years, the Mayor Making marks another achievement for Cllr Chohan.

Born in a remote village in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Abid studied law as a means for helping others, attaining a Bachelor of Law qualification before moving to the UK and began his career as a paralegal within two weeks of his arrival.

Abid has worked as a solicitor since 2007 sitting as director in his own law firm since 2015, specialising in immigration and civil litigation law.

Abid has often spoken out against human rights violations around the globe and has provided pro bono legal services to those who cannot afford professional fees.

He is also the founder and Chair of the British Pakistani Cultural Association which aims to promote Pakistani heritage and culture in the UK. He supports a number of charities and as an active trade unionist has previously chaired the Manchester and Oldham East brand of Unite.

In 2004 Abid was first elected as a Manchester City Councillor for its Longsight ward.  He has served as Lead member for Race and Equality and has sat on a number of scrutiny committees including Children and Young People, Communities, Neighbourhoods and Environment, and the Planning and Highways Committee.  He has sat on the Licensing and Appeals Committee for several years and served as Deputy Chair for four years.

Abid is married to Azra Abid Chohan who will act as Lady Mayoress for the first six months of his term. They have two grown-up children, Asim and Aisha, who were born, raised and still live in Manchester. Aisha will support him for the second six months of his term.

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Abid Chohan, said: “It’s with huge honour that I take up the mantle of Lord Mayor. Throughout my career I have always been committed to helping people and representing the people of Longsight for the past 15 years has been a true privilege.

“Now as Lord Mayor I look forward to serving the entire city as we all try to make Manchester a fairer and more inclusive place to live and work. I will look to use my year in office to raise awareness of those struggling with poverty and help to improve the lives of Manchester people.”