Leader, Wigan Council
Akhtar was born in a village called Jatria Klan, Punjab, Pakistan. He came to live in Bolton over 36 years ago. He attended Bolton College and Bolton Institute of Higher Education (University of Bolton) for his higher education.
He has worked in the voluntary sector, local/central government, NHS and higher education as equality, diversity and inclusion specialist for 30 years.
Akhtar has served as a Councillor for over 24 years. He has served as Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, Environmental Services, Community and Neighbourhood Services and Corporate Resources (covering HR, Legal Services, Procurement and Finance) between 2006 to 2019. He has also served as a Magistrate in Bolton and has been a governor of Bolton College and Bolton Sixth Form College.
He was the first Asian and first Muslim Mayor of Before becoming the leader of Bolton Council, he was Deputy Leader of Bolton Council responsible for Corporate Land & Property, Planning and Development for three years. He is the first Asian and Muslim Leader of Bolton Council.