Bangladeshi-born Mozammel Hossain's name has been included on the UK Conservative Party's shortlist of mayoral candidates for London.
His inclusion in the list has surprised many and generated significant public and media interest.
Who is Mozammel Hossain?
Mozammel Hossain is a member of the Conservative and Unionist Party and also known colloquially as the Tories – one of the two main political parties in the United Kingdom, along with the Labour Party.
He has outlined his campaign priorities as focusing on tackling gang-related issues, reforming the Metropolitan Police (Met Police) and halting the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), reports the Statesman.
Born in Bangladesh's Barisal, Mozammel is one of eight siblings.
Nicknamed Mysterious Moz, he immigrated to the UK in 1995 when he was 21 years old.
In a recent interview with LBC, he described leaving behind a modest wooden house with a mud floor and a tearful mother.
Mozammel pursued a law degree at the University of Liverpool and has since dedicated over two decades to working as a criminal barrister.
He has handled high-profile cases involving matters such as murder and terrorism.
Notably, in 2019, he made history as the first Bangladeshi-born criminal barrister to be appointed as Queen's Counsel, now known as King's Counsel.
Although Mozammel does not have prior political experience, he considers it to be his “unique appeal.”
He sees himself as offering a fresh start, free from the chaos of recent years.
Election pledges
Drawing upon his extensive experience within the criminal justice system, he aims to reform the Met Police and regain the public's trust.
If elected, Mozammel pledges to take strong action against gangs, emphasizing his intention to “cut the head off” these criminal networks to address knife crime and phone robberies.
He also has plans to establish a specialized unit called the “Targeted Termination Team” within the Met Police, solely dedicated to identifying and apprehending gang leaders.
In his strategy to enhance public safety, Mozammel aims to implement increased intelligence-based stop-and-search procedures and improve police visibility throughout London. He envisions placing CCTV cameras at every bus stop and ensuring well-lit streets across the capital during nighttime.
Regarding the ULEZ, Mozammel intends to switch off enforcement cameras in outer London on the first day of his mayoralty. He argues that expanding the ULEZ, which imposes a daily charge on non-compliant vehicles, to cover all of Greater London would be “immeasurably cruel” during a time of financial strain for many residents.
In addition to his focus on crime and transportation, Mozammel has discussed plans to address the affordability of housing and enhance connectivity within the city's transportation network.
