From newcomer to civic leader: over five decades rooted in one community.
Avtar Sandhu relocated to Dartford in 1969 and has lived in the borough for more than 55 years. In that time he has become, as his family describe him, "a pillar of the Dartford community," with a record of civic involvement stretching back to when he was just 20 years old.
He is the brother of Rags Sandhu, and together they inherited and expanded the family enterprise founded by their father, Darshan Singh Sandhu MBE, a business figure equally known for his community involvement in Dartford. Read more on The Sandhu Group page.
Cllr Sandhu was first elected to Dartford Borough Council on 5 May 2011, representing the Wilmington, Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley ward, a seat he continues to hold. Earlier in his council career he also represented the Brent and Newtown wards.
He first held the office of Mayor of Dartford in 2014–15, and returned to the role for the 2026–27 civic year following his election at the Annual Council meeting on 6 May 2026. His wife, Sukh, serves as Mayoress for the year, and Councillor Carol Gale has been appointed Deputy Mayor.
A career of representation, from the ward to the Mayor's parlour.
Relocates to the borough that becomes home for the rest of his life.
Begins a lifetime of community and civic engagement in Dartford, long before entering the council chamber.
Elected as councillor, having previously represented the Brent and Newtown wards before taking the Wilmington, Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley seat he holds today.
Serves the civic year as the borough's first citizen.
Recognised with an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Dartford community.
Elected at the Annual Council meeting to serve a second term as Mayor, with his wife Sukh as Mayoress and Cllr Carol Gale as Deputy Mayor.