Cllr Eddie Hanson is Camden’s new Mayor
Councillor Eddie Hanson, who represents Kilburn ward, will take over as Mayor of Camden for 2025-2026. Cllr Tricia Leman will take over as Deputy Mayor for the same period.
Cllr Hanson takes the chain of office from Cllr Samata Khatoon, who leaves the role having raised over £29,000 for her chosen charities Scene & Heard and New Horizon Youth Centre.
Cllr Hanson arrived in Camden as a teenager after surviving the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where he survived harrowing experiences including being kidnapped by one of the warring factions. His childhood experiences combined with his journey growing up in Camden helped shape his character and commitment to giving back. Today, he uses his story to inspire young people through empowerment workshops and community engagement programmes championing resilience, hope, and positive change.
In this vein, Cllr Hanson will support icandance charity during his term, an organisation which celebrates disabled children and young people, empowering them through dance and performance.
Camden is known for many firsts, so I am grateful to be Camden’s first Mayor of Black African descent. In this role, I would like to inspire others and give hope that, whatever your life story or circumstances, you can achieve success.
icandance work with disabled children and young people aged 4 to 25 years old, focussing on what they can do, rather than what they cannot. Dance transforms the lives of these children and young people, building their physical fitness and developing their movement, helping their mental health and creativity and helps them find new friendships and increase their confidence. I will be proud to raise money for this charity during my Mayoral year.
"icandance is honoured to be chosen as the Mayor’s charity for his term of office. This recognition reinforces our commitment to celebrating diversity, equality, and inclusion within Camden, offering reassurance to our families and the wider community. With the Mayor’s invaluable support, we will continue to empower individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of dance, strengthening connections across our diverse community as we work together to build a more inclusive Camden."
Cllr Hanson will receive assistance throughout his Mayoral year to help him perform his civic role. The Mayoress will be his partner Kim Taylor and his escorts during his term of office will be Karis Hanson, Eleah-Grace Hanson, Kaleb Hanson, Elizabeth Gordon, Millicent Hanson, Joan Munro and Mary Ryan; and Councillors Nasrine Djemai, Lorna Greenwood, Nanouche Umeadi, James Slater, Matt Cooper, Anna Burrage, Camron Aref-Adib.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported my chosen charities Scene & Heard and New Horizon Youth Centre during my Mayoral year. I have been proud to be the first citizen of Camden and to have represented the borough at a range of community and ceremonial events throughout the year, culminating in the recent VE Day celebrations.”