The Mayor of Southwark

Profile of the Mayor

Mayor Naima Ali

Councillor Naima Ali the Mayor of Southwark, has lived in the UK since the late 1990s, bringing nearly three decades of lived and professional experience to the role. Naima’s journey into politics was driven by a deep love for humanity and a commitment to supporting the most vulnerable and voiceless in the community.

Elected as a councillor in 2022, Naima has been a passionate advocate for social justice and is dedicated to fighting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which has led to her appointment as an FGM Ambassador for Southwark. As Deputy Mayor, Naima built strong community connections by sharing personal and professional experiences and promoting integration. In her role as Mayor, she aims to make Southwark the most fair and welcoming place to live, work, and visit. In her spare time, Naima loves to spend time with her family and socialising with friends.

Cllr Ali has expressed a wish to support three local charity groups for this municipal year. These are:

SpeakerBox

SpeakerBox is Southwark’s Children in Care Council (for young people in care and leaving care). They are the voices of care experienced young people. They create opportunities for young people to hang out, have a say and be heard.

Living Bankside 

Living Bankside is an award-winning Summer programme aimed at disadvantaged young people from Southwark which is supported by prominent global, national and local businesses and organisations. It is tailor made, develops life skills and includes guaranteed work placements.

ActionAid

ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty and have dedicated local staff who work to change the world with women and girls. They work to end violence and fight poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.

Cllr Ali announced ‘I am proud to have been appointed as the FGM Ambassador for Southwark and look forward to working with Actionaid to tackle the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation.’

In her acceptance speech the Mayor stated ‘I have experienced hardship and adversity since I stepped my foot in the UK, and in my 17 years of working with people with drug addiction, I have found my greatest teachers.  I aim to bridge the gap and work on connecting our communities, I am guided in the belief that humanity comes before anything else and together we can make a difference.  Together we will forge a brighter, more inclusive and equitable future for all our residents in Southwark.’

The Mayor announced Ms Kafia Elmi, as her Mayoress for the year.  Councillor Sunny Lambe was appointed as Deputy Mayor, with Mrs Jean Galley-Lambe announced as the Deputy Mayoress.

Page last updated: 24 May 2024