A tireless councillor and history-maker who has raised more than £500,000 for charity has been nominated for a prestigious national award for his community work.
Organisers received 350 nominations across five categories so being shortlisted as a Community Champion is an outstanding feat for the 29-year-old, who sits on both Whitehill Town Council and EHDC.
Cllr Shah is the latter’s youngest and first ever Cabinet member of ethnic descent having been elected in May 2023 and given a portfolio that encompasses benefits, foodbanks, affordable housing and welfare.
He is also an extremely active member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and cites his faith as motivation for his work, saying “service is the crucial thing”.
He said: “I am honoured to be shortlisted for this award.
“The most important thing is to keep working to improve our community for everyone, no matter their faith or background.”
The winners will be unveiled at the Cllr Awards ceremony at the City of London Guildhall on November 20 with Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC leader, congratulating his colleague on the achievement.
Cllr Millard said: “We are very proud to see one of our councillors shortlisted for such a prestigious national award.
“Cllr Shah is relatively new to EHDC but has already made a huge difference to the lives of our residents – his work ethic, determination and good nature are an inspiration to his peers.”