West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has pointed to the recent mayoral victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York as a pivotal moment, sending a powerful signal as two of the world's biggest cities are now led by Muslim men.
A Campaign That Broke The Mold
Brabin described Mamdani's campaign as being "off the scale," noting that as a mayor herself, she often observes other campaigns for inspiration. Mamdani secured a decisive win with more than half the vote, mobilising thousands of new voters and building a diverse coalition reflective of New York City.
His success, according to Brabin, was rooted in three clear policy offers: free buses, universal childcare, and rent control. Crucially, he was honest about funding these initiatives through those with "the broadest shoulders." Brabin argued that voters are tired of politicians who merely diagnose problems without providing tangible solutions.
A Crucial Lesson for UK Politicians
The victory contains a vital lesson for the UK political landscape. "Listen to people’s priorities, offer simple, realistic solutions, and show clearly how you’ll fund them," Brabin advised. She emphasised that Mamdani's ability to reflect his city was also key, with his win meaning that two global metropolises are now led by Muslim men, sending an empowering message to communities often marginalised from power.
Brabin highlighted the unique position of mayors, stating, "We’re closer to people. We commute on the same buses that don’t turn up, walk the same streets where people don’t feel safe." She pointed to her own work in West Yorkshire as evidence, where she is taking buses back under public control, building a mass transit system, and delivering record numbers of affordable homes.
A Challenge Against Complacency
However, Brabin issued a stark warning against complacency. Mamdani's win is a challenge, proving that "doing the right things isn’t enough if the offer isn’t loud or big enough." With local elections approaching, she urged politicians to "turn up the volume" and keep the devolution revolution at the forefront, enabling mayors to provide bold, local answers to crises in transport, housing, and policing.
She called on the national Labour Party to match this spirit with clear policies and conviction. On the economy, she acknowledged the difficult choices ahead but expressed confidence that Chancellor Rachel Reeves would deliver a Budget this month with "Labour values at its heart."
Brabin also shared insights from the C40 World Mayors Summit in Brazil, where she promoted West Yorkshire's progress on green transport and jobs. She revealed that Bradford's ULEZ has already cut respiratory GP appointments by 25%.
Finally, she addressed other key local issues, including a push to update stalking legislation for the digital age and the government's trust in mayors to use a £1 billion fund to build new, affordable homes and reduce council house waiting lists.
