Bracknell’s mayor celebrated his birthday yesterday at a ceremony that officially welcomes new British citizens to the borough. 

Cllr Ankur Shiv Bhandari was “delighted” to spend the day speaking at the event, which is required for successful applicants to formally attain their citizenship. 

Cllr Bhandari welcomed the new citizens to become a “key part” of Bracknell Forest and shared his experience of going through the same process just over 13 years ago. After which, he started a business locally with his wife and had two children. 

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He has represented Binfield with Warfield ward since 2019, before being appointed mayor on 18 May this year. 

The mayor highlighted the “important occasion” as the attendees were officially recognised as British nationals. 

“Bracknell is the borough that provides the opportunity for everyone to get involved and make a difference if you so desire,” he added. 

Cllr Bhandari provided birthday doughnuts to mark the “great occasion”.