He was born in Pakistan in 1965, and worked in textile manufacturing for several years before going on to run a furniture business and a small food outlet.
He worked for several years as a licensed taxi driver in Manchester while studying English in the evenings and later gaining an IT diploma from City College Manchester.
With over a decade of experience since his election in 2012, Ali has served on key committees including planning and highways, children’s scrutiny, and neighbourhood services, as well as regional boards.
He said he planned to focus his mayoral year on supporting children in social care and strengthening community cohesion across the city.
In his maiden speech as Lord Mayor, he said: “Manchester is a city built on diversity, culture, and fairness. It’s a city where people from every background, culture, faith, and belief live side by side, contributing to the rich fabric that makes Manchester truly special.”
The father-of-four added: “Manchester has given me everything I have today.”
