The new Mayor of Brent, Ryan Hack, has returned to Claremont High School in Kenton – the same school he once attended as a student – in a visit that left a lasting impression on pupils and staff alike.
At just 26 years old, Ryan is the youngest Mayor in Brent’s history. His return to Claremont in June 2025 came two years after he previously visited the school as a councillor and Food Justice Champion, accompanying the then-Mayor of Brent, Orleen Hylton.
Now in the ceremonial robes and arriving in the official Mayoral car, Ryan described the visit as “a surreal and deeply meaningful experience”.
He said: “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, who left Claremont in 2015, went on to study History and Politics at university and later completed a master’s degree at UCL. He was elected as a Labour councillor for Brondesbury Park and began campaigning on key issues, particularly around food poverty.
Speaking about his election as Mayor, Ryan said: “It was a profound honour. 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.”
He added: “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.”
While the role of Mayor is largely ceremonial, Ryan explained: “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.”
During his visit to Claremont, Ryan spoke at a Year 10 assembly and also joined a Year 12 A-level Politics class taught by Mr Burns.
“It was fantastic that our students had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Brent,” said 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.”
Year 12 student Mia Francisco said: “His talk was truly engaging and gave us a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in our community.”
Fellow student Asher Siddiqui, 16, added: “It showed me that age isn’t a barrier if you have passion, drive and a clear purpose.”
Ryan’s message to young people was clear: “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… The most important step is simply to get involved – be part of the system and help shape it for the better.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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