Hamza Taouzzale (former Lord Mayor of Westminster)

Changing the system

Hamza has achieved more than he ever expected since studying a BA Politics degree at Goldsmiths. In 2022, aged just 22, he became the youngest Lord Mayor of Westminster, and the borough’s first Muslim Lord Mayor. “Not in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be Lord Mayor,” says Hamza. “It’s changed up the whole system.”

His role involved representing the achievements of Westminster and its diverse communities, and attending civic and ceremonial events. The role allowed him “to go to places where people like me wouldn’t usually be able to go,” explained Hamza, who grew up on a council estate in the borough. “Just the other week I was in Buckingham Palace, speaking to King Charles. It’s a lot to take in.”

Tackling inequality

Hamza has used his platform to have “tough conversations” with the people he meets about the huge levels of inequality in Westminster. He advocates for a youth work charity, and regularly visits schools to inspire the young people he meets to dream big.

“I want to ensure that they get a solid chance in life, no matter where they live, or who they are,” Hamza says. “Growing up in my area, uni wasn’t somewhere that people would normally go.”

Juggling university with local government

Thinking back to his own university days, Hamza says the Goldsmiths politics degree really appealed because of the module choices. “There were other London unis where I could have studied politics but I thought that Goldsmiths was a bit more ‘out there’ and more creative,” he explained. “So Goldsmiths was always my first choice. I also liked the fact that there was a friendly and open atmosphere.” 

During his degree, Hamza was also a Labour Councillor, so he juggled these duties alongside his studies. “Sometimes I’d finish uni and then come straight to Westminster City Hall for meetings, or do casework for residents in my ward,” he remembers.

Advocating for young people

After Hamza’s term as Lord Mayor finished he returned to his Councillor role, but his priorities remain people-focused. “I want to keep linking things back to the communities that need a helping hand,” he says. “I’m still going to be advocating for young people and fighting their corner.”