What does it actually take to become a Mayor in London, at just 27 years old?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with John-Paul Ennis, the youngest Mayor in London and the youngest ever Mayor of Lambeth, to unpack the real journey into civic leadership.

From selling sweets in the playground and dreaming of being a footballer, to dropping out of university to focus on grassroots campaigning, this is a story about purpose, resilience, and turning personal loss into public service.

John-Paul shares:

• What a civic Mayor actually does day-to-day
• Chairing full council and staying politically neutral
• Supporting charities and leading borough-wide ceremonies
• Becoming a councillor in your early twenties
• Dropping out of university to pursue impact
• Why young people feel disconnected from politics
• The reality of being a part-time councillor
• The emotional weight of representing your community
• Balancing public office with personal life

This is a powerful conversation about legacy, leadership, and finding your “why.”

If you’ve ever wondered whether politics is for you, or felt like it wasn’t, this episode might change your mind.

@jp_sw9

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

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