LEADING names from Manchester's political scene came together to celebrate the wedding of Labour rising star Maryam Khan.

Solicitor Maryam, 25, who became the youngest-ever female councillor in Manchester last year, married IT expert Rashid Raja in a civil ceremony at the town hall last month.

Yesterday, 500 guests gathered for a rukhsati - the traditional farewell party to a bride that is one of the final stages in a Pakistani wedding.

Among them were International Development Minister Douglas Alexander, Manchester central MP Tony Lloyd, Gorton MP Sir Gerald Kaufman, Euro MP Arlene McCarthy, Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese and deputy council leader Val Stevens.

Masroor Junejo, the consul general of Pakistan, also attended.

Maryam's dad - former Lord Mayor of Manchester Afzal Khan - swapped council chamber debating for a father-of-the bride speech at the event, held at Bolton beauty spot the Last Drop Village.

Her husband Rashid, 29, belongs to the family clan and is distantly related to her.

He will move from London and the couple will settle in south Manchester.