Green Councillor Yassin Mohamud to be next Lord Mayor of Bristol

Green Councillor for Lawrence Hill Yassin Mohamud is set to become the next Lord Mayor of Bristol in May.

Yassin, who was elected in Lawrence Hill in 2021, will be the first person from Somalia to hold the ceremonial role, which rotates between Bristol’s four largest political groups on the council. He will be taking over from Conservative Councillor Henry Michillat, who will step into the role of Deputy Lord Mayor.

Councillor Yassin Mohamud said, “It is a deep honour to be stepping into the role of Lord Mayor and is not something I take lightly. For me, it represents both a personal journey and a responsibility to the communities that have shaped me.

“I came to the UK from Somalia over 20 years ago and built my life here in Bristol with my family. And like many people in our city, my understanding of politics did not begin in a formal setting; it came from lived experience.

“It came from seeing how decisions affect everyday life: the quality of housing, the safety of our streets, the opportunities available to young people, and whether communities feel seen and heard.”

“Over time, I became increasingly aware that some neighbourhoods, like Lawrence Hill, were facing persistent inequalities yet often felt overlooked. That was the turning point for me. I decided to step forward, not just to raise concerns, but to be part of shaping solutions.”

As a Councillor for Lawrence Hill, following the Barton House evacuation in 2023, Yassin worked with colleagues to push for changes that better support residents affected by unsafe housing conditions, and has supported efforts to reopen and protect community spaces in tower blocks.

Yassin said, “As I prepare to take on the role of Lord Mayor, my focus is clear. I want to use this platform to bring people together, to celebrate the diversity and strength of our city, and to ensure that every community feels recognised and valued. Bristol is a city of resilience, creativity, and compassion, and I want the mayoralty to reflect that.

“Above all, I remain grounded in the same principles that brought me into public service: to listen, to serve, and to work with the people of Bristol to build a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Notes for editors:

• High-res image of Cllr Yassin Mohamud outside of Bristol City Hall attached. Credit – Bristol Green Party
• The Lord Mayor of Bristol is the first citizen of the County of Bristol and chairs the meetings of the full council. It is a largely ceremonial role, and they carry out around 800 engagements a year;  from major civic events such as the annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service to meeting, supporting and connecting local communities and organisations.
• The role rotates around Bristol’s political groups on the council and each Lord Mayor serves a one year term.
• More information about the role of Lord Mayor of Bristol here – Role and duties of the Lord Mayor