Leicester South Independent MP Shockat Adam honoured the late Councillor Manjula Sood MBE with a heartfelt tribute at the House of Parliament this week.
During a special session, Mr Adam reflected on the significant contributions made by Manjula Sood, a respected community leader and the UK’s first Asian female Lord Mayor.
Mrs Sood served as a Labour councillor for 25 years and worked tirelessly for numerous charities, dedicating herself to community cohesion in Leicester and beyond.
“Sadly, on Christmas Eve, Leicester lost one of its finest councillors, Manjula Sood,” Mr Adam said. “For me, she will always be known as Mrs Sood, my junior school teacher.”
Mr Adam called on the Leader of the House to commemorate Mrs Sood and proposed establishing an annual debate in Parliament to honour local champions who have made outstanding contributions to Great Britain.
In response, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged Mrs Sood’s invaluable work not only for the local community but also for education. He expressed willingness to consider Mr Adam’s suggestion for an annual debate to recognise the contributions of dedicated community leaders like Councillor Sood. The tribute at the House of Parliament was attended by fellow MPs.
Mrs Sood’s funeral took place on 10 January 2026 in Leicester. The service was attended by family, friends and colleagues, including city officials, community representatives, and many who had been touched by her decades of public service.
Tributes were paid to her unwavering dedication to Leicester and her role in promoting diversity and inclusion across the city.