Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has demonstrated her formidable character both in and out of the political arena. At a recent event at London's Duchess Theatre, the 45-year-old MP for Birmingham, Ladywood, confronted a heckler who accused her of mimicking Reform Party policies on immigration. Unfazed, she retorted with a blunt directive, telling the individual to "f*** right off."
A Passion for Weightlifting
Following the exchange, Mahmood, a former barrister, discussed her enthusiasm for weightlifting, revealing that her personal best deadlift is an impressive 105 kilograms (16.5 stone). She noted that her typical training sessions involve lifting 60 kilograms (9 stone 4 pounds), and she is working to regain her peak performance. During the event, hosted by comedian Matt Forde for his podcast The Political Party, she joked about lifting him using an Olympic bar.
Background and Family
Mahmood, one of the first female Muslim MPs in Britain, is the eldest of four children, including a twin brother who works as a software developer. Her parents, Subaida and Mahmood Ahmed, are Pakistani immigrants from Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. The family lived in Taif, Saudi Arabia, from 1981 to 1986 due to her father's civil engineering job, before returning to Birmingham, where her mother worked in a convenience shop and her father chaired the local Labour Party.
Political Career and Hardline Immigration Stance
Appointed Home Secretary in September 2025, Mahmood oversees police, immigration, and border security. She has adopted a stringent approach to immigration, implementing long-term reforms to the asylum system. Despite facing opposition in Parliament and from audience hecklers, she finds solace in weightlifting, which she describes as a personal competition against herself. She began the hobby about 10 to 12 years ago to improve her health and fitness.
Training Regimen
Mahmood incorporates cardio workouts into her routine, such as pushing a weighted sled known as the prowler. She recounted that her trainer sometimes stands on the sled while she pushes it, leaving her breathless but satisfied. When asked if she aspires to be like the Terminator, she responded, "Not consciously. I suppose you can read into it what you like!"
Connection to Shoplifting Issues
Drawing on her childhood experience working in her parents' corner shop, Mahmood expressed empathy for shopkeepers facing the current shoplifting epidemic. She recalled incidents where their till was stolen twice, and they often had to chase thieves who stole chocolate bars or crisps. She emphasized that such losses significantly impact small business takings and family finances.
Crime Statistics
While acknowledging rises in shoplifting, phone theft, and antisocial behaviour, Mahmood highlighted declines in violent crimes, including homicides and knife offences. She expressed hope that these trends would continue and attributed the increase in shoplifting to a changed environment.
Response to Michael Gove's Comments
Former Conservative Cabinet Minister Michael Gove, now editor of The Spectator, publicly admitted to having a "crush" on Mahmood, describing her as "gorgeous," "principled," and "attractive." Mahmood dismissed the comments, stating, "The feeling is not mutual." She added, "I should also probably point out that I have highly trained, very specialist, armed police officers with me at all times. So, you know, watch yourself. Watch out, Michael!"
