Cllr Choudhry was formally installed at a full city council meeting on 19 May, taking up the civic post for the 2025-27 municipal year.
Reflecting on his appointment, he said: “This city welcomed me as a young teenager and gave me the opportunity to build a life rooted in service, hard work and community.
“I look forward to representing all our residents and celebrating the people and organisations who make Birmingham such a remarkable city.”
The meeting opened with a Muslim prayer led by Imam Muhammad Abdali.
In his speech, Cllr Choudhry said he hoped to serve with compassion and respect, and to represent every community across Birmingham.
He thanked residents, volunteers, faith communities, charities, businesses, teachers, NHS staff, family and friends for their contribution to the city and their support.
Cllr Choudhry said Birmingham showed that people of different faiths and backgrounds could live and work together “with understanding, respect and shared purpose”.
He said: “To my fellow councillors and civic leaders, whatever our differences, we share a common responsibility to serve the people of Birmingham, and I look forward to working together for the good of our city.”
Born in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, Cllr Choudhry moved to Birmingham in 1969 at the age of 14.
He later worked in manufacturing while studying, before progressing into senior operational roles and developing business interests in property and local enterprises.
He was first elected to Birmingham City Council in 2006 and has represented communities in Bordesley Green and South Yardley.
His civic roles have included serving as a lead member of the West Midlands Police Authority and vice chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Cllr Choudhry was re-elected as a councillor for South Yardley in the recent local election in early May by receiving 1,382 votes.
The Lord Mayor is Birmingham’s first citizen and carries out a largely ceremonial role, representing the city at civic, community and charity events.
