Q&A with Councillor Khan – My First Few Weeks in the Role

I’m thrilled to introduce myself as your newly elected councillor and to share a bit about my journey so far in this role. In this Q&A article, I’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about my first few weeks.

What inspired you?

What inspired me to become a councillor was my passion for making a meaningful difference in the community I call home. I’ve always been driven by the desire to help others and play a crucial role in improving people’s lives. I am also committed to breaking down barriers, making politics more inclusive and accessible, and most importantly, truly representative of the communities we serve.

What is your top tip for a beginner campaigner?

My top tip is to genuinely connect with the community. Building real relationships and trust is essential! Listen closely to people’s concerns, understand their needs, and show them that you’re dedicated to helping them. Be present and active throughout the campaign, whether that’s knocking on doors, attending community events, or staying engaged on local issues. Nothing beats a sincere commitment to the people you aim to serve.

How are you finding it all?

Being a councillor has certainly been challenging but knowing that my efforts can make a real difference is incredibly motivating. Each day brings new lessons and opportunities for growth. The role requires a lot of listening, effective time management, and collaboration—all things I genuinely enjoy. While it can be demanding at times, the support from the community and the chance to serve make it all worthwhile. I’m excited to continue learning and growing in this role!

How will you balance this role with your other responsibilities?

Balancing my role as a councillor with my other responsibilities is definitely a challenge, but it’s one I’m committed to managing. I believe time management, prioritisation, and clear communication are key. I will make every effort to find a balance that allows me to be available for my constituents, attend meetings, and address important issues, while also ensuring I make time for my personal and professional commitments.

I’m fortunate to have a strong support network around me—both in my personal life and from my team—that helps me balance my responsibilities. I am dedicated to finding the right balance to make sure I can give this role the time and energy it deserves.

What is one thing you’d like the community to know about you?

One thing I’d like the community to know about me is that I’m here to listen. I believe that real change comes from understanding the needs and perspectives of everyone in our community. I’m committed to being approachable, hearing your concerns, and working together to find solutions. I may not always have the answers, but I will always endeavour to help.

What is the best thing about Cheadle West & Gatley?

The best thing about Cheadle West & Gatley is definitely the people! The sense of community here is incredible. It’s the warmth and welcoming nature of the people that inspires me every day, and it’s an honour to represent such a vibrant and dynamic community.

I’ll leave you with these final words from a wise man: “The leader of a people is their servant.”

My hope is to serve— to represent the voices of our community, to bring those voices to the table, and to work together to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for reading.

Councillor Khan

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