Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE was elected Mayor of Dartford at the borough's Annual Council meeting on 6 May 2026, taking on the office for the 2026–27 civic year. It marks his second term as the borough's first citizen, having previously held the role in 2014–15.
Cllr Sandhu has represented the Wilmington, Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley ward on Dartford Borough Council since his election on 5 May 2011, and has lived in the borough for more than 55 years since relocating there in 1969. His return to the mayoralty caps a civic career that began in earnest when he was just 20 years old, and which has run alongside his work as the operational head of the family's Sandhu Group business.
A family affair
Continuing a tradition of civic and community service that runs through the Sandhu family, Cllr Sandhu's wife, Sukh, serves as Mayoress for the 2026–27 civic year. Councillor Carol Gale has been appointed Deputy Mayor, supporting the Mayor's programme of civic engagements throughout the year.
What's next
As Mayor, Cllr Sandhu has announced a charity appeal supporting three causes across the borough, and a Garden Party in September to recognise community-minded Dartford residents. Read more on the Community and Events pages.
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