Satvir Kaur is a British politician from the Labour Party. She served as Leader of Southampton City Council from 2022 to 2023, being the first female Sikh leader of a local authority in Britain. She has represented Shirley on the City Council since 2011.
Satvir Kaur | |
|---|---|
| Leader of Southampton City Council | |
| In office 18 May 2022 – 20 December 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Daniel Fitzhenry |
| Succeeded by | Lorna Fielker |
| Member of Southampton City Council for Shirley | |
| Assumed office 6 May 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Matthew Dean |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Southampton, Hampshire, England |
| Political party | Labour |
| Alma mater | University of Southampton Solent University |
Early life and education edit
Kaur was born and raised in Southampton, England.[1] Her family owned a sari shop in the Bevois area of the city.[2]
Kaur was educated at Mount Pleasant Juniors and St Anne’s Catholic School.[3] She graduated with a degree in Politics from the University of Southampton, and later Law from Solent University.[4]
Political career edit
At the 2011 local elections, Kaur was elected to represent Shirley ward on Southampton City Council.[5] She gained the seat from the incumbent Conservative, and was re-elected in 2015 and 2019. Kaur campaigned for Hillary Clinton in North Carolina, USA ahead of the 2016 presidential election.[6]
After Labour lost control of Southampton City Council in 2021,[7] she was elected as leader of the Labour group.[8] Kaur became council leader once Labour regained their majority in 2022.[9][10] She was the first female Sikh council leader in Britain.[11]
Kaur was selected as Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for Southampton Test in July 2022.[12][13] Later that year, she introduced party leader Keir Starmer ahead of his speech at the Labour Party Conference.[14] The Southampton christmas market was cancelled in 2022 due to budget cuts.[15]
In May 2023, Southampton Council leader Satvir Kaur made comments regarding the City Council stating: "we are not facing bankruptcy. To say otherwise is a lie and political opportunism".[16]
In July 2023 Southampton City Council alerted the government over financial emergency. A report from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountancy stating that a Section 114 was a growing possibility.[17]
In December 2023, two days after the Government announced the Provisional local government finance settlement for local councils,[18] Kaur announced that she was stepping down as council leader in order to focus on campaigning for the general election.[19] After her resignation, she was succeeded by her deputy leader Lorna Fielker.[20] With the new leader it was reported that the authority faces issuing a section 114 notice by February effectively declaring bankruptcy.[21]
Political views edit
Kaur supports establishing an investment zone in Southampton.[22] She has spoken at an event marking the positive contribution of refugees to her city.[23]
References edit
- ^ "Southampton Test". Satvir Kaur. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Churchward, Sally (2022-05-26). "Satvir Kaur on her journey from inner city shop girl to the new leader of Southampton City Council". In-Common - Southampton. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
- ^ Churchward, Sally (2022-05-26). "Satvir Kaur on her journey from inner city shop girl to the new leader of Southampton City Council". In-Common - Southampton. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
- ^ "About Me". Satvir Kaur. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
- ^ "Councillor details - Councillor Satvir Kaur". www.southampton.gov.uk. 2023-06-28. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Which Southampton politician is heading to the USA to help Clinton become first female president?". Daily Echo. 2016-10-28. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Conservatives lose control of Southampton City Council after just one year in power". ITV News. 6 May 2022.
- ^ "Southampton Labour party elects new leader". Daily Echo. 2021-05-24. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "New Leader of Southampton City Council and Cabinet take office following 2022 Local Elections". www.southampton.gov.uk. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Southampton council leader sets new vision for city". BBC News. 2022-05-25. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Samachar, Asia (2022-05-20). "Southampton elects Satvir Kaur as council leader, makes history as first female Sikh leader". Asia Samachar. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Council leader launches bid to become Labour MP". Daily Echo. 2022-07-05. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Council leader to fight Southampton Test seat at next general election". Daily Echo. 2022-07-10. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Council leader makes party conference debut introducing Keir Starmer". Daily Echo. 2022-09-27. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Southampton Christmas market and flying Santa cancelled". BBC News. 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
- ^ "Bankruptcy claims are a lie, says city council leader, but tough decisions lie ahead". Daily Echo. 2023-05-20. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
- ^ "Southampton City Council alerts government over financial emergency". BBC News. 2023-07-12. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
- ^ "Provisional local government finance settlement: England, 2024 to 2025". GOV.UK. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
- ^ "Council leader resigns ahead of general election". Daily Echo. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-01-13.
- ^ "Council leader resigns ahead of general election". Daily Echo. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
- ^ "Southampton City Council: Leader voted in amid financial woes". BBC News. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
- ^ "Southampton investment zone plans: 'We'll fight for our fair share'". Daily Echo. 2022-09-27. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Refugee parade celebrates city's rich history". BBC News. 2023-06-25. Retrieved 2023-06-28.