Justice and equality are the pillars of a thriving community.

BIOGRAPHY

Adv. Baiju Thittala

Adv. Baiju Thittala was born in Kerala, India, where he grew up working alongside his father in the paddy fields. Despite financial challenges, he harbored a deep passion for law and public service from an early age. At 18, he had to leave his studies to support his family, working in a tearoom. However, his determination never wavered, and when he moved to the UK in 2004 with his wife, Ancy, he seized the opportunity to resume his education while working as a care assistant. Today, he is a distinguished solicitor and serves as the Mayor of Cambridge, marking a historic milestone as the first non-white person to hold the position.

Milestones

2024-Present

Mayor of Cambridge

2025

Visiting Faculty, The School of Law, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bangalore, Central Campus, India

2024

Member Supreme Court Bar Association, India

2022-2023

Deputy Mayor of Cambridge

2023-Present

Legal Adviser – UKMMA

2022-2024

Police and Crime Panel Cambridgeshire- Panel Member

2022-Present

Councillor at Cambridge City (District) Council

2022

Enrolled as an advocate in High Court, Kerala, India

2022-2024

Cambridge City Council Equalities Panel

2022-2023

Chair – Cambridge Housing

2021-2022

Labour Party Cambridge (CLP) Executive Committee Member

2021-2022

BAME Chair CLP

2019

Shortlisted Parliamentary Candidate for General Election 2019

- West Suffolk. - West Cambridgeshire. - Northwest Cambridgeshire.

2018-2021

Councilor for Cambridge City Council

2018-Present

Legal Advisory Panel Chair -UUKMA (Union of United Kingdom Malayalee Associations)

2013-2016

National Executive –Indian Workers Association–GB

2012-2013

President – Cambridge Kerala Cultural Association

2010-2011

President – Indian Students Society. Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Baiju pursued his academic journey with dedication, studying politics, history, and sociology at Cambridge Regional College before moving on to legal studies. His commitment to continuous learning has played a crucial role in his ability to advocate effectively for marginalized communities.

2019

Qualified as a Solicitor

2013

LLB (Hons) in Law

Anglia Ruskin University

Employment Law

University of East Anglia

Legal Practice Course (LPC)

Anglia Ruskin University

AS A LEADER

Leadership & Public Service

Baiju’s journey in public service began in 2009 when he became actively involved in community activism. He joined the Indian Workers’ Association and conducted employment awareness sessions across the UK for South Indian communities. His advocacy extended to lobbying Parliament, in collaboration with local MPs, to challenge the discriminatory English language requirements for non-EU nurses, contributing to a policy change.

In 2018, he was elected as the City Councillor for East Chesterton, becoming one of the few first-generation minority ethnic representatives in Cambridge City Council’s history. He has since worked tirelessly to:

His political career saw rapid growth when he became Deputy Mayor in May 2023, followed by his historic election as Mayor of Cambridge in May 2024. His tenure has been marked by initiatives promoting community unity, inclusion, and advocacy against far-right extremism.

Vision & Commitment

Baiju remains committed to ensuring a fair and just society. His focus areas include:

  • Strengthening legal aid services for underprivileged communities
  • Fighting against racial and economic inequality
  • Encouraging youth and minority engagement in politics

His leadership continues to be a source of inspiration, proving that perseverance, education, and dedication can break barriers and create meaningful change.

MILESTONES

Key Achievements & Advocacy

01

Introducing and passing a Black Lives Matter motion at the Cambridge City Council.

02

Hosting ‘Stand Up Against Racism’ events to counteract extremist ideologies.

03

Serving as Lead Councillor for Equalities, sitting on the Equalities Panel, and acting as Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee.

04

Advocating for fair treatment of non-EU nurses and successfully influencing policy changes.

05

Spearheading commemorations for Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and II.