A fair start for every child 

Former student and the new Mayor of Brent returns to Claremont High School  

Back in September 2023, we reported on a very special visit to Claremont High School. Former student, Ryan Hack - then Councillor and Food Justice Champion for Brent Council – accompanied the sitting Mayor of Brent, Orleen Hylton, on a tour of the school. Fast-forward two years to June 2025 and Ryan’s back… Except this time he’s the Mayor! And not just any Mayor but, at only 26 years of age, the youngest ever Mayor of Brent.  

So how did he feel about returning to Claremont in the Mayoral car, dressed in ceremonial robes?  

‘Coming back to my former school was a surreal and deeply meaningful experience,’ admits Ryan. ‘It was a privilege to reconnect with all the teachers who had helped shape the values I carry with me today - that everyone deserves to be treated equally, and that every child should have a fair start in life.’  

Ryan left Claremont in 2015 and went on to study History and Politics at university before graduating, several years later, with a master’s degree from UCL. Public office called and he was soon elected Labour Councillor for Brondesbury Park, where he began to champion causes close to his heart, including food poverty.  

He’s come a long way in a short time. What were his thoughts on being elected Mayor, a position he will hold for the next year?  

‘It was a profound honour,’ says Ryan. ‘Not just for me, but for my whole family. I was raised by an incredible single mother who often went without to ensure I had what I needed, including school uniforms. Her sacrifices fuel my determination to use this role to shine a light on the issues of child poverty and hunger.’  

How did his mum and those closest to him react to his appointment?  

‘My family were deeply humbled by the news, especially since becoming Mayor at such a young age is uncommon. They take immense pride in this milestone, as it reflects the positive changes happening in society. It’s encouraging to see barriers being broken down and access to public office becoming more attainable for working-class families.’  

So what are Ryan’s main responsibilities for the year ahead?  

‘Being Mayor is a ceremonial role, but it carries “soft” power,’ explains Ryan. ‘As the borough’s ambassador, both my words and actions help shape public discourse. I chair full council meetings and take part in a range of civic engagements, including visits to local schools, opening businesses and launching new initiatives across Brent. Being out in the community is the most rewarding part of this role, and I’m genuinely excited to meet so many organisations throughout the year that play a vital role in supporting the well-being of our residents.’  

Looking forward, what would he like his legacy as Mayor of Brent to be?  

‘I’d like my legacy to be that of a Mayor who actively engaged with young people by visiting schools across the borough and listening to their voices. I’m committed to creating new pathways for young people in our borough to engage with and access opportunities in politics.’  

This objective was certainly met during Ryan’s visit to his alma mater, where he not only addressed a Year 10 assembly – where he himself would have been sitting a decade ago – but also talked to Mr Burns’ Year 12 A-level Politics class.   

‘It was fantastic that our students had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Brent,’ says Mr Burns. ‘It was inspiring for them to meet someone who had, less than ten years before, sat in the same classrooms as they currently do and is now an important politician in the local area. Politics A-level is about showing students you can change things and you can influence the way the world works. Ryan's story and journey really showed them this in practice!’  

The class certainly found the Mayor’s visit a memorable experience.  

‘His talk was truly engaging and gave us a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in our community,’ says 17-year-old Mia Francisco. ‘The most interesting aspect was the Mayor’s explanation that being from a working-class background was the main motivation for his getting involved in politics, and that being a younger politician gives him a closer connection to young voters.’  

‘I found it really interesting how Mayor Hack combines the challenges and rewards of leadership at such a young age,’ adds 16-year-old Asher Siddiqui. ‘It showed me that age isn’t a barrier if you have passion, drive and a clear purpose. I wish I’d asked him what motivated him to run for Mayor while still so young, and what advice he would give to someone my age who wants to lead.’  

Ryan’s response is simple: ‘Go for it! Get involved in an extra-curricular activity, whether it’s playing a sport, volunteering at a local food bank, or supporting a community project. Engaging with your local community is a powerful way to start making a difference. It also builds a track-record of action that will strengthen your voice when you’re ready to make your pitch for change. You don’t need formal qualifications to enter public service. It’s inspiring to see people from all backgrounds becoming local councillors and making an impact. The most important step is simply to get involved - be part of the system and help shape it for the better.’