Councillor Faduma Mohamed was formally inaugurated as the new Mayor of Ealing at the annual meeting of the full council on Tuesday 26 May.
As mayor, Councillor Mohamed will undertake civic and ceremonial duties across the borough, including representing it at civic and community events and chairing meetings of the full council. The new mayor will be supported by her father Ahmed Mohamed. Councillor Ghulam Murtaza has been appointed deputy mayor.
Council leader Peter Mason, said: “Councillor Mohammed is a dedicated and hardworking councillor and has been an excellent representative for the people of Southall. I am sure she will be a successful mayor doing her community and our borough proud. As our first hijab wearing Somali female mayor she is breaking new ground for the borough. Her mayoralty will be a powerful symbol that our borough is a place that values all our residents whatever their background.”
A focus on unity
Councillor Mohamed said she felt ‘incredibly proud and honoured’ to become the first British Somali wearing a hijab to take on the role.
“It’s an amazing responsibility to take on, but it’s also a privilege. I want to make everyone proud and be an example to many communities especially girls and women who look like me. Representation matters.
“As mayor, I’m looking forward to connecting with our communities across every corner of Ealing. I want to bring people together and highlight what unites us. Whether I am attending an event at a church, visiting a temple or mosque, or meeting someone experiencing homelessness, every interaction matters. When people share their stories, they resonate with me because at the end of the day, we are all human, and our shared experiences connect us.”
Supporting local causes
As part of the role, Councillor Mohamed will raise funds for her chosen charities, Hope for Southall Street Homeless and Stepping Stones Together UK.
Hope for Southall Street Homeless provides vital support to people experiencing homelessness, including outreach services, emergency assistance, and a welcoming day centre. Stepping Stones Together UK supports individuals and families through community support, advice services, and initiatives that improve wellbeing and opportunity.
By supporting these charities, she hopes to raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and make a meaningful difference for vulnerable residents.
A journey to public service
Councillor Mohamed, a ward councillor for Southall West since 2022 and last year’s deputy mayor, came to Southall at the age of 11 after fleeing the war in Somalia. She spoke no English at the time, but through determination, hard work, and the kindness of those around her, she overcame many barriers. She credits her teachers particularly her English teacher at Dormers Wells High School, who gave up his lunch breaks to support her learning as instrumental in her journey.
She added: “During my year, I hope to champion inclusion, community cohesion and opportunities for young people, and to support grassroots organisations doing amazing work across Ealing.”
She takes over the mayoralty from Councillor Anthony Kelly.
