Nuneaton and Bedworth has appointed its first ever Gurkha mayor.
Councillor Bhim Saru, a retired British Army officer and longstanding community advocate, was formally installed during a ceremony at Nuneaton town hall on Wednesday evening.
Cllr Saru, who served as a captain in the Royal Engineers, now represents St Mary’s ward and runs an embroidery business in the town.
His appointment was described as a “tremendous honour” both for himself and the wider Gurkha and Nepalese community.
His wife, Sharmila Saru, will serve as mayoress throughout his term.
Nuneaton has a large Nepalese Ghurka population
The appointment of Cllr Saru is a significant moment for the borough, which is home to a sizeable Gurkha population.
In 2015, Nuneaton unveiled a Gurkha War Memorial in Riversley Park to commemorate two centuries of Gurkha service to the British Crown – a symbol of the area’s longstanding connection with Nepalese veterans.
“I am thoroughly looking forward to the next 12 months and especially having the opportunity to meet many of our borough’s residents during my civic engagements,” Cllr Saru said, pledging to serve all communities across Nuneaton and Bedworth.
As well as being a sitting councillor, Saru is president of the British Gurkha Veterans Association and volunteers as an advisor to Nepalese community groups across the UK.
His work has long focused on improving access to services and creating stronger ties between Gurkha families and their local neighbourhoods.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council celebrated Saru’s appointment.
“Shared vales of service, honour and community”
A spokesperson said his leadership symbolises “the shared values of service, honour, and community that the Gurkha people have brought to this country.”
Outgoing mayor Cllr Bill Hancox, who handed over the chains of office, completed his third term and was praised for his service to the borough. Cllr Tracy Sheppard was named deputy mayor for the 2025–26 civic year.
Cllr Saru’s appointment is expected to further strengthen ties between the council and the borough’s Nepalese residents, many of whom are descendants of former Gurkha soldiers who settled in the UK following changes to immigration policy in the early 2000s.
His historic role is a source of pride and progress for a community whose contribution to British life has been hard-won and long-standing.
