Somali-born Sagal Abdi-Wali was sworn in on Monday as the newest member of parliament representing Holborn and St Pancras in the British House of Commons.
The 42-year-old secured victory in last week’s by-election, succeeding former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the representative of the central London constituency.
Abdi-Wali arrived in Britain as a child refugee and spent much of her life in the London borough of Camden, where she worked with charities and schools before rising to become leader of the local council.
Her emergence as a member of parliament has attracted considerable attention among Britain’s Somali and wider African communities, highlighting her journey from refugee to a prominent figure in local government and national politics.
She won 45 per cent of the votes cast in the by-election, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 33 per cent. The Conservative Party secured seven per cent, while the anti-immigration Reform UK party polled six per cent.
In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali pledged to focus on tackling homelessness and expanding opportunities for young people.
Her election marks a new chapter in her political career, following years of public service in Camden, where she worked on issues affecting local residents.
Andy Burnham, who succeeded Starmer, congratulated Abdi-Wali on her victory and expressed his eagerness to work with her.
