Sawley Councillor becomes first Punjabi Sikh appointed as DCC Vice Civic Chairman

A councillor with connections to Erewash has become the first member of the Sikh community to be appointed to the position of Vice Civic Chairman at Derbyshire County Council.

The roles of Civic Chairman and Vice Civic Chairman are to act as ambassadors for Derbyshire and to be a link between the county council and local community bodies, charities and groups.

Kewal Singh Athwal officially received his chain of office at a meeting of the Full Council on Thursday 18th July 2024 at County Hall, Matlock.

The official handing over of the chain by Civic Chairman Councillor Tony Kemp coincided with the national annual launch of South Asian Heritage Month which runs until 17th August 2024.

Councillor Singh Athwal was first elected to the county council in May 2017 to represent the Sawley Division.

He has previously held the position of Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport and was also Chairman of the Audit Committee 2017 – 2021. He is currently the Chairman of the Improvement and Scrutiny Committee – People.

Councillor Singh Athwal has been Chairman of his local Masonic Lodge and is a member of the Long Eaton Rotary Club.

Councillor Singh Athwal said of his appointment to Vice Civic Chairman: “I am hugely honoured to be given another high-profile role within the council and believe this is the first time a member of the Sikh community has taken this position.

“Being community minded, I have done charity work here in the UK and also in Punjab, India, and I am looking forward to getting out and about across the county and meeting a variety of people along the way as an ambassador for the authority and the county.”

He added: “It is very positive that the day I officially received my Vice Civic Chairman chain coincided with the launch of South Asian Heritage Month as I am immensely proud of my heritage and background and am keen to share my experiences with others where I can.”

Councillor Singh Athwal, whose working life was spent mainly in the motor trade and textiles, was born in India in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab. He is married, with two children and five grandchildren.  

He has also been a Councillor at Erewash Borough Council since May 2007, representing the Wilsthorpe Ward, and was also the Mayor of Erewash in 2014-2015. 

He was also the Chairman of the Licensing and Public Protection Committee at Erewash Borough Council for a number of years.