"It's both humbling and an absolute honour to be selected to represent my hometown, I'm proud to represent the town's mayor; it's a privilege," said Councillor Ruggy Singh, the new Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa for 2025–2026.

Cllr Singh took on the role after being elected and receiving the mayoral chain during the Town Council's annual meeting on Thursday, 15 May 2025.

The meeting also marked the end of  Cllr Judith Clarke's term as mayor and the election of a new deputy mayor, Cllr Sarah Boad.

Nub News sat down with Cllr Singh to reflect on his time in the role so far and to discover what first inspired him to step into local politics.

His commitment to the local community became especially clear during the Covid-19 lockdown, a difficult time for many. 

Cllr Singh took the initiative to launch a WhatsApp group to bring people together and offer practical help.

He explained: "We had loads of people who were crying out for help, many of whom couldn't go out because they had Covid."

With that in mind, he set up the online group to share advice, offer support, and respond to the community's needs.

"I started the group during Covid, just for sharing news, tips on how to avoid getting it effectively, if anyone needed any help with anything and from there, it's expanded", he explained.

He continued: "People from the group would step up and say, 'I'll drop something off outside your door.'"

Individuals would also often ask if payment was wanted for items they had picked up for others, suggesting, 'Do you want me to post my card through the door?' but, more often than not, the response was simply, 'No, sort the money out later.'

Cllr Singh added: "We had other people come up and say, 'if you're struggling to eat, just send me a DM (direct message), no questions asked, I'll drop some samosas off outside your door,' as well as sharing jokes and just getting people together.

"We also had people from varying walks of life and people who would not have met each other or spoken to each other otherwise who have become friends because of the groups, and they're still in touch now."

Deputy Mayor Sarah Boad and Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa Cllr Ruggy Singh (image via Leamington Spa Town Council)

Cllr Singh has since launched a recycling group – something he is particularly passionate about and that inspired his move into local politics.

"One of the reasons I became a counsellor was because I got fed up with the amount of fly-tipping that was going on!" he expressed.

Cllr Singh was then approached by a county councillor, who encouraged him to stand in the 2021 by-election,  which he admitted he was "very reluctant to do."

He said: "The councillor told me, 'Well, you're doing this with your social groups, you've done this, you've done that, you do this for the community – you're practically doing half the job already. So you might as well put a title on it, so to speak.'"

Cllr Singh stood in the election and won, and in the following election, he even increased his vote share.

"I am obviously doing something right," he joked.

Coming from a diverse background, Cllr Singh went on to share the importance of having representation in leadership roles: "It's been a while since we've had someone from a cultural background as the Mayor of Leamington.

"I've had people approach me, some people I don't even know, and some people who I haven't spoken to in a few months, and they've stopped their car and shook my hand, and said, 'Congratulations, well done, you're doing us proud,' which is just amazing!"

Encouraging others from underrepresented backgrounds to get involved in the local council, he said: "We need more people from cultural backgrounds, especially women and young women, stepping up to do things like this.

"Counsellor-wise, I think it's dominated by what I would describe as older white males, so yes, it needs to be more diverse, and we need the younger people willing to step up to do it, which they don't seem to be interested in at all.

"Something that shocks me is I've had conversations with people from different countries, like European countries, and they're like, 'oh, we don't vote because it doesn't affect us,' and I'm like, okay, at a town council level, it does affect you. It affects your local parks, your environment, it affects your kids, so why wouldn't you go out and vote when it comes to an election?'"

Discussing his priorities, Cllr Singh explained that, as a carer for loved ones with disabilities, he is particularly passionate about supporting individuals with autism and ADHD.

He raised concerns over the lack of local support for children and adults with autism, with most services based in Coventry, Rugby or Stratford and expressed hope that this would change in future years. 

He also stressed the importance of working together for a better future and supporting Leamington Spa's diverse community.

One of Cllr Singh's key goals as mayor is "community cohesion."

On balancing the needs of residents, businesses and developers, he said: "It varies – you have to view it as what's in the best interests of the community.

"That's one thing I have been speaking up about a lot, at a personal level and in the mayoral role – there is a strong need for community cohesion."

A prevalent topic of discussion for Leamington locals is the proposed pedestrianisation of Parade.

When asked for his view, Cllr Singh clarified: "I have to be impartial, but I've had people ask me this many times.

"Anything I post in my WhatsApp groups, or on social media, is from me as a personal person rather than as a counsellor or mayor or whatever.

"It's because I'm a resident as well, and the reason I started the groups was because I am a resident, which people often don't seem to get, because every time anything does happen, they'll tag me and ask, 'What's the council doing about this?'"

He admitted that while this can sometimes be frustrating, he takes it in his stride and tries to remain calm.

Cllr Singh has also announced his chosen charity for the year Flourish, a Warwickshire-based Christian organisation that supports girls aged 10 to 18 with mental health challenges, helping them build confidence, resilience and self-worth.

He said, "Due to my own experiences, I am passionate about helping people with disabilities – whether they are physical or mental."

Flourish, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, is based at the SYDNI Centre, just around the corner from where Cllr Singh lives.

So far, the charity has supported over 1,400 local girls and works with around 25 schools, including Campion School, which Cllr Singh and his entire family attended.

The SYDNI Centre itself holds particular significance for him, not only is it his local community hub, but it was built on the site of Sydenham First School, where his sister was once a pupil.

Though he had initially wanted to support a charity focused specifically on autism, he felt that Flourish was the best fit, due to its strong focus on mental health, its deep roots in the local community, and the personal connections it holds for him.

When asked what his target for fundraising was, he replied: "As much as I can really.

"It's just a drop in the ocean for their budget and what they need, but every little thing helps."

Cllr Singh has already taken part in several local events since becoming mayor. 

Mayor Cllr Ruggy Singh launching the Geranium Train in Leamington (images supplied)

Recently, he launched the floral trains outside the Glasshouse in Jephson Gardens, marking the start of judging for Leamington in Bloom, which celebrates the town's parks, green spaces and floral displays.

Next on the calendar is Armed Forces Day, taking place this Saturday.