UK City Elects its First Muslim And Youngest Lord Mayor
London’s Westminster City Council elects 22-year-old working-class recent grad. Hamza Taouzzale as First Citizen, becoming the city’s first incumbent from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background.
Hamza Taouzzale has hit the ground running after making local political history as Westminster's first Muslim Lord Mayor and the youngest incumbent ever.
Taouzzale, who recently graduated from King’s College London with a Master's in Global Affairs, served as a youth councilor at age 16 and became a Youth Member of Parliament (MP). When he turned 18, he was elected as a Labour candidate for the local council. He says he will continue to serve all his constituents.
“Day-to-day this is a job that is above politics because you represent the whole city you have to do it without fear or favor, so although I was voted in as a Labour councilor, I have to represent everyone – and that’s exactly what I want to do,” said Taouzzale. “I’ve already been called the People’s Lord Mayor and that is something that I’m very proud of and want to continue to live up to.”
The 22-year-old was elected by the City Council to represent the interests of the people of Westminster, chair Council meetings, and attend local events. The First Citizen is a non-political role meant to highlight the community when Council meets to discuss policy. Representatives only hold the office for a year, making the position a real honor.
“You quickly realize it is a lot of hard work helping people with their problems big and small … ” said Taouzzale. “But I’m not alone, after the recent elections there are a number of new councilors who are in their early 20s and representing their city, it’s important that we make our voices heard beyond social media.”
Tauozzale says he was mentored by his predecessor, Alderman Barrie Taylor, who guided him through the process and provided the necessary knowledge he needed to serve effectively in his new role.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Taouzzale says he was honored to attend the Platinum Party in the Palace, held on February 6, and sat behind Prince George and Princess Charlotte. He even exchanged a few words with Prince William and Prince Charles.
“I made a point of getting around to as many street parties that I could, after attending the Trooping of the Colour Parade I headed over to the Ebury Street Jubilee Party and joined in the celebrations with them,” said Taouzzale. “During that whole weekend I got out to as many other street events as I could, and it is a pleasure to do so.”
Being Lord Mayor comes with historic adornments like robes and chains. Taouzzale says he enjoys getting to wear elaborate medallions to the many events he attends.
In the past, Lord Mayors have not always been local to the cities they represent. Taouzzale was born and raised in Westminster, therefore he has ties to the community and understands the needs of the people. He credits his mother for inspiring him to be kind and teaching him how to care about the world around him.
“I grew up in a working-class community, and I saw the daily struggles people faced firsthand,” said Taouzzale. “I saw the lack of facilities for young people – myself included – and I wanted to change that.”
Westminster has large areas of wealth that is more often represented in local politics, leaving behind those who do not have financial influence. Taouzzale has committed to focusing on the city’s poor and middle-class population by bringing their concerns to the City Council.
Being the youngest and the first Muslim Lord Mayor, Taouzzale says he has faced attacks, including accusations in a local newspaper, that he is playing identity politics.
Taouzzale says he is proud of his faith and is excited to bring people together through multi-culturalism. He is also the first incumbent to have an Imam as chaplain. Being the first of anything helps to pave the way for other candidates from ethnic backgrounds to hold leadership positions.
“They will be having a civic service for me later this year and it will have multi-faith prayers, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Taouzzale.
