Sunil Chopra, an Indian-origin businessman, has been re-elected as mayor of the London Borough of Southwark for the second time. Sunil Chopra was the first Indian-origin individual to hold the prestigious post of mayor of the London Borough of Southwark in 2014-2015 and deputy mayor in 2013-2014.
Chopra, who was born in Delhi, took the oath on Saturday at Southwark Cathedral in Central London’s Montague Close. Chopra was the first Indian-origin individual to hold the prestigious post of mayor of the London Borough of Southwark in 2014-2015 and deputy mayor in 2013-2014.
Under Chopra’s leadership, the Labour Party defeated the Liberal Democrats in the London Bridge and West Bermondsey seats. For decades, the opposition party held these seats. This is significant because the London Borough of Southwark Council has just 2% Indian-origin residents.
Chopra initially ran for mayor of the London Borough of Southwark in 2010 and was elected for the first time in 2014. He’s also held the position of Deputy Mayor three times. His political career began much earlier, in the 1970s in Delhi.
In 1972, he became the first president of Delhi University’s College of Vocational Studies. He served as Supreme Councillor at Delhi University while earning his LL.B. in 1973-74. He then became the president of the NSUI (National Students Union of India) in New Delhi.
Chopra has lived in London for more than four decades and is actively involved in community activities in the area. Chopra launched a retail venture shop in 1979 after migrating to the United Kingdom, which expanded into a wholesale company of children’s clothes and infant supplies.
He also used the occasion to promote Indian culture by organizing cultural activities and community service. He co-founded the Southwark Hindu Centre, which serves the local Indian community.
Chopra also sees the UK-India relationship improving economically and culturally. He is enthusiastic about bringing various groups together and eager to promote Southwark locally and worldwide.
