The Mayor of London has been awarded the Patchwork Foundation’s inaugural Politician of the Year Award, recognising his efforts to support young people from underrepresented backgrounds in entering politics.
At the ceremony, the Mayor reflected on his upbringing in Tooting, South London, as the child of immigrants growing up on a council estate. “As a child, I never imagined I would become Mayor of London. Politics didn’t feel like something for someone like me,” he said.
He emphasized how his personal experiences inspired him to pursue public service and tackle inequalities he witnessed firsthand. Key initiatives of his tenure include tackling air pollution, which disproportionately affects the poorest communities, freezing bus and tram fares, and introducing, for the first time in London’s history, free school meals for all state primary school children.
Addressing young people, the Mayor sent a clear message: “If you’ve ever thought politics isn’t for you, you’re wrong. Politics affects all of us.” He also highlighted the value of diversity as a strength, stressing that supporting the potential of all young people is essential to building a more representative, fair, and prosperous democracy.