Tushar Kumar, the 23-year-old mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, will join his mother, Parveen Rani, at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on October 22. Their session, titled “The Diaspora Impact – From Rohtak to Mayors in the UK, ” will examine their paths into British local government.
Kumar was born in Rohtak, Haryana, and moved to Britain with his family at 10. He attended Loxford School in Ilford before studying political science at King’s College London, where he took part in the Civic Leadership Academy and developed experience in public speaking and civic engagement.
His political breakthrough came in the May 2023 local elections. While still a university student, Kumar won a seat on Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council for Labour with 832 votes. A recount put him one vote ahead of his nearest rival, and the result helped Labour take overall control of the town council for the first time this century. He had also stood for Hertsmere Borough Council but did not win that seat.
Kumar later served as deputy mayor before being elected mayor at the town council’s annual meeting on May 13, 2026. He became the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the United Kingdom at 23, with Councillor Linda Smith appointed as his deputy.
During his mayoral year, Kumar has said he wants to remain visible in the community, listen to residents, support local charities and organisations, and encourage more young people to enter public service. His chosen charity is WD6 Food Support, which supports about 250 families each week.
Rani, a Hertsmere councillor, was elected mayor of the borough a week after her son took office. Kumar has described her community work as an important influence on his own political path. He has also said he hopes to reach the highest level of British politics, including becoming prime minister.