In this power issue, Grazia’s International Beauty Editor, Kaniz Ali glams up and interviews young, trailblazing Leanne Mohamad. The 24 -year-old British Palestinian activist and former independent parliamentary candidate who shook up UK politics with her unapologetically bold campaign. From nearly unseating a senior government minister to becoming a powerful voice for justice and change, Leanne opens up to Kaniz about resilience, representation, and what it means to lead with heart.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background
Leanne : I am a British Palestinian Human Rights Activist, born and raised in London, who stood as an Independent Parliamentary Candidate in the UK for Ilford North in the 2024 general election, coming within only 1.1% of defeating a senior government minister—Wes Streeting, the current Health Secretary. I came within just 500 votes of unseating him at only the age of 23.
My activism journey began at the age of 15. In 2016, I won the UK Redbridge Regional Jack Petchey “Speak Out”
challenge after delivering a speech entitled ‘Birds, Not Bombs’ based on my country and my passion, Palestine, in which I called for an end to the injustices Palestinians are facing, especially Palestinian children. My speech called for freedom, justice, and peace, but I was faced with a barrage of hatred and abusive comments, as well as attempts to silence me. Since then, I have gone on to be a leading activist in the fight for human rights, speaking and appearing at many popular universities and conferences—and I have even spoken in Parliament and have been recognized and spoken internationally.
Kaniz: What inspired you to head into the world of politics?
Leanne: Gaza was the issue that awakened us all to our broken politics. The callousness shown by politicians abroad reflects the callousness with which they act at home. I am a proud British Palestinian. The lesson that we taught the leaders during this last general election is that good people will stand up to this corrupt political class. I was driven by the injustices I saw, but also by the belief that change is possible when we organize, speak truth, and act with courage.
Kaniz: What inspired you to run for becoming an MP?
Leanne: In a word, Gaza. Gaza was the reason why I, you, and good people across the country and the world decided enough was enough. Gaza symbolizes something greater. It brought us out of our slumber and made us realize that this political system is broken. Gaza is changing an entire generation for the good. We are freeing ourselves from a system that has polluted our air, our politics, our minds, and our souls.
People told me when I stood for Gaza
that I was a dreamer—that I was wasting my time and energy. Yet I came within 500 votes—1.1%—of defeating a senior government minister.
I am a British Palestinian who was raised in Ilford North. My community of Ilford North was and still is suffering. I’ve witnessed this firsthand working as a local youth worker and food bank volunteer. Many working people, pensioners, and families are struggling—all while energy companies are still making record profits.
I care deeply for the welfare of my friends and neighbours in Ilford North, a place I’ve spent all my life and one that welcomed my parents as their home. When I announced that I was selected by my community to stand as an independent candidate for my home, Ilford North, I did so out of a deep sense of responsibility. My community
of Ilford North was tired of self-serving politicians, so they selected me to stand as our independent MP candidate. I’m local, have strong moral principles, and by standing as an independent, it means
I answer to the people—not corporate interests or party agendas. We campaigned on various community concerns, including health, crime, education, youth services, the cost-of-living crisis, and foreign policy
Kaniz: What aspects did you enjoy the most?
Leanne: Honestly, I loved everything about this campaign. It’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. It was a true grassroots effort—community-led, people- powered, focused, and strategic—but above all, it had heart. That’s what made it so special. I was surrounded by an incredible team, including a brilliant campaign manager who brought professionalism and structure to everything we did. And then there were the volunteers—selfless, passionate, and tireless—who showed up day in, day out, many from far beyond Ilford North. Their dedication reminded me how powerful people can be when they come together for something bigger than themselves.
This dedication is rare in a country where the political class looks down upon the efforts of civic engagement.
Kaniz: Coming from a Palestinian background… Do you think it had an impact on you being a candidate?
Leanne: Coming from a Palestinian background has absolutely shaped who
I am—and by extension, the kind of candidate I strive to be. It’s given me a deep understanding of injustice, resilience, and the importance of speaking truth even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s also made me more attuned to how systems of power operate and who gets left out of the conversation. That awareness isn’t just personal—it informs my political values and priorities. If anything, being Palestinian has pushed me to lead with empathy, courage, and a strong sense of accountability to marginalized communities. So yes, it has had an impact—not as a limitation, but as a source of clarity and strength.
Kaniz: What have been your favourite moments?
Leanne: Some of my favourite moments from the campaign have been the deep, genuine connections that formed along the way. Whether it was conversations on doorsteps, shared meals, or community events, there were so many times it felt like more than just a campaign—it felt like a new family was forming within our community. People came together across backgrounds and differences, united by shared values and a desire for change. That sense of care, solidarity, and collective energy has been incredibly moving. Hearing people’s stories—their hopes and frustrations—reminds me why this work matters. I’ve especially loved meeting young people who felt seen and inspired by the campaign.
Kaniz: What has been the most challenging aspect of running for MP?
Leanne: One of the biggest challenges was starting from scratch—an independent, relatively unknown candidate going up against a high-profile, sitting MP backed by the full force of a major party. We
knew the odds were stacked against us,
but it didn’t deter us—it pushed us to fight harder. Every single doorstep conversation that shifted from “Who are you?” to “I’m with you” gave us the energy to keep going. Those moments reminded us why we were doing this—to show that you don’t need establishment backing to stand for what’s right.
Building a campaign from the ground up, without the support or infrastructure of a party machine, was no small task. Coordinating over 700 volunteers was both a huge challenge and an incredible gift. People wanted us to react quickly, to just get out there—but we knew we had to build something real, something strategic, something that could last. So, we took the time to create structure, roles, and systems that made our campaign not just active, but powerful. I want other people out there to know that if you care about your community and want to stand up to the injustice we see and live through every day, you can do it. It’s the prerogative of this two-party system to deny hope.
Kaniz: How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects?
Leanne: Maintaining my physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects is something I’ve learned to take seriously—because without it, burnout is inevitable. I lean on community—whether it’s talking things through with trusted friends, spending time with loved ones, or simply being around people who bring me joy. I also set boundaries when I need to, and I’ve learned to say no when something does not align with my well-being. Taking care of myself isn’t separate from the work—it’s what allows me to do it to the best of my ability with clarity, energy, and care.
What do you think of the media’s role in the current situation in Palestine?
Leanne: The mainstream media plays a deeply complicit role in the current genocide in Gaza. Rather than providing clear-eyed reporting, major news outlets often distort the reality on the ground— minimizing Israel’s actions through selective coverage, euphemistic language, and omission of crucial context. By framing the situation as a “conflict” between two equal sides, rather than acknowledging
the overwhelming asymmetry of power and Israel’s decades-long colonial occupation, the media helps normalize systemic violence against Palestinians. This propaganda by omission plays a crucial role. Ultimately, the media’s role is not neutral—it helps shape public perception and, by extension, political will. When coverage fails to name genocide or to center the lived experiences of Palestinians, it becomes a tool of complicity rather than accountability.
Kaniz: If Leanne was not in politics, what would she be?
Leanne: I’d still be doing work rooted in justice and community. I’ve always been drawn to activism, grassroots organizing, advocacy, and education—spaces where people come together to create real, lasting change from the ground up. I could see myself working with young people, supporting movements, or building alternative systems of care and solidarity. Maybe I’d be writing or teaching, but whatever it was, it would still be about amplifying voices that are too often ignored and helping create a more just and compassionate world.
Kaniz: What do you like doing in your spare time?
Leanne: In my spare time, I like to stay informed and engaged—through reading, writing, and meaningful conversations about current events. But just as important to me is making time for the people I
care about. I deeply value spending time with family, friends, and loved ones—it’s what keeps me grounded. I also love to travel, explore new places, and stay active whenever I can. I also try to give back, when possible, by supporting grassroots efforts and volunteering in causes I believe in. Balance is important to me, so I try to combine rest with meaningful activity.
Kaniz: What is the best advice you would give someone entering the world of politics?
Leanne: The best advice I’d give someone entering politics is: know your values—and hold onto them. Politics can test your principles in subtle and overt ways, so staying rooted in your “why” is essential. Surround yourself with people who keep you accountable, not just those who agree with you. Listen more than you speak and stay connected to the communities you represent. And don’t underestimate the toll it can take—protect your energy, find moments of joy, and remember that real change is often slow, collective, and hard-won.
Kaniz: You were one of the first people to speak up… what made you take that step?
Leanne: For me, staying silent was never an option. Coming from a Palestinian background, I felt the weight of what was unfolding in Gaza on a deeply personal level—but beyond that, it was a matter of basic humanity. I couldn’t watch the devastation, the massacres, the killings and not speak up. Silence is complicity. Speaking out was a duty.
Kaniz: What are your plans for the next 5 years?
Leanne: Regardless of the result, what we’ve built in Ilford North is historic. We sparked hope—and that hope will certainly continue. This is just the beginning. I may not know exactly where the next five years will take me, but I know my path will remain rooted in the fight for human rights and justice. The election may be over, but the injustices we stood against continue.
I hope we build on the incredible community and momentum we’ve created. On July 4th, we came together to send a message—that the two-party status quo can be challenged, that people are ready for something different, and that silence in the face of injustice is no longer acceptable. We reminded the establishment that real power doesn’t lie with parties—it lies with people. Independents represent a new, hopeful alternative. We’ve shown what’s possible when people come together with courage, clarity, and compassion. We have been disconnected from what real power is—and real power is the people, not the parties. And I really hope we build on this in time for the next election.
Kaniz: How do you switch off and relax?
Leanne: Switching off and relaxing is something I’ve had to learn to prioritize— especially after experiencing intense burnout from working in emotionally demanding spaces. I now recognize how essential it is to protect my energy. I unwind by spending quality time with loved ones—simply being around people who make me feel grounded and at ease. Travel and movement are also deeply restorative for me. I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that creating space to rest and reset isn’t optional; it’s necessary if I want to keep showing up fully and sustainably
CEO : Zahra Saifullah
Managing Editor: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: OMJ Omer Janjua
Make Up & Styling: Kaniz Ali
Assisted: Natalie Tyland
Interview: Kaniz Ali
Editorial Associate: Sibgha Batool
