MPower: Local Programme

Our MPower: Local Programme provides first-generation migrants with the skills, resources and knowledge required to run for local council. To date we have trained 21 leaders to stand for local council. Two of our leaders were elected in May 2024. Three more are standing in the London local elections in May 2026. Scroll down to find out more!

We are not currently recruiting for MPower: Local, but you can use our toolkit here, if you are interested in running in England.

MPower: Local Graduate Cohorts

#2025Cohort

In December 2024, we launched our second MPower: Local Programme with a regional focus of London. We trained 12 inspiring migrant leaders who were born in Albania, Algeria, Bolivia, Brazil,  Colombia, Ecuador, Eritrea, India, Moldova, Nigeria, Portugal, and Sierra Leone. They now call the UK their home and want to represent their communities all across London.

During their time in the programme, our participants and future candidates were able to build a collective sense of community through our in-person training sessions. This allowed them to establish relationships, hold each other accountable and to have more fun! Our leaders also led local community actions to raise their local profile and become more confident in leading community events. The activities ranged from community information hubs to awareness raising walks (see images below).

Finally, congratulations to our two brilliant leaders, Elmedina Baptista Mendes and Gheorghe Zuagravu, who have been officially selected to stand in London's Local elections next year! They are both standing for their local Green Party, in Islington and Havering, respectively.

  • Our MPower: Local leaders, Dina and Gheorghe, attending the 2025 Green Party Conference after being selected as official candidates for the London 2026 Local Elections!

  • Aashna organised a community walk aimed to raise awareness about women’s safety and the absence of safe lighting in the local park.

  • Fatmata organised a community information health hub provided local residents with information on mental health, endometriosis and diabetes.

  • Paola and Jessica organised a community resource hub, inviting local organisations to provide education and resources on a range of topics like voting rights, tenant rights and healthcare information.

  • Gilson organised a community citizenship day, where attendees learnt about the role of a councillor, voting rights, access to healthcare and benefits.

  • Dina organised a community together. Community members shared food and stories, whilst meeting with other community leaders to hear about the important work they were doing.

#2024Cohort

In November 2023, we launched our first ever MPower Political Candidates Programme with 10 brilliant first-generation migrant candidates. Our first cohort of candidates were born in Brazil, Colombia, Cyprus, Malawi, Nigeria, Romania, and Poland — and they now call the UK their home and want to represent their communities from Glasgow to Liverpool! In April 2024, we concluded the first programme and our participants continue to move forward to win for their migrant communities.

In May 2024, two of our leaders were elected to represent their communities! Kemal Çufoğlu was elected for the Green Party in Colchester, and Gabriel Duduta was elected for the Liberal Democrats in Watford. In 2024 and 2025, both our leaders passed a motion for Votes For All in their councils!

One of the inspiring leaders of this cohort, Soni Quintero, will be standing for local council in the London borough of Newham, in 2026. 

  • Kemal Çufoğlu, Green Party Councillor and MPower Alumni, hugs MDP Executive Director, Lara Parizotto, after passing a Votes for All motion the Colchester council.

  • Gabriel Duduta, LibDem Councillor and MPower Alumni, stands with MDP Campaigns and Advocacy Manager, Zaya Nasheed, after passing a Votes for All motion the Watford council.

  • Soni Quintero speaks at the MPower: Local graduation celebration.