Apprentice Star Kayode Damali Runs for Lewisham Mayor as Independent

Former The Apprentice star, entrepreneur, and professional speaker Kayode Damali is running to become the next Mayor of Lewisham. Born and raised in the borough, Damali is standing as an independent candidate, arguing that Lewisham needs "a new style of leadership" with a resident-first approach.

Background and Campaign Strategy

Damali appeared on the BBC's The Apprentice in 2018 and has built a career in professional speaking, entrepreneurship, and event hosting. He is actively involved in local initiatives, serving as Run Director for Catford parkrun and Forster Memorial Park Junior parkrun. With a substantial social media following, he regularly posts TikTok videos discussing local news and issues, generating thousands of views and engaging Lewisham residents. Rather than relying on traditional large-scale canvassing, Damali is leveraging his online presence to drive his mayoral campaign.

Why Independent?

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Damali explained his decision to run as an independent: "I believe Lewisham should be run independently, not by a mayor who has to toe the party lines. The minute I become part of a party, then it's Lewisham plus a party. For me, it's Lewisham or nothing." He added that he is not seeking a political career: "If this election wasn't taking place right now, I wouldn't be running anywhere else. I thought the best thing to do is to run and stand as an independent rather than see it as a career. I don't want to work my way up to become Prime Minister or Mayor of London."

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The WISH Vision

Damali's campaign is built around four key goals, forming the acronym WISH:

W – Working and housing: "I want to have a borough where people can afford to live and thrive."
I – Identity and pride: "Having a stronger identity and pride in Lewisham."
S – Safer and cleaner streets for everyone.
H – Honest and independent leadership.

He promises to be highly approachable: "I'll set up a marquee in the town centre once a month where residents can come and ask me anything. My cabinet members and my councillors will be known – that's what I mean by honest and independent leadership. I will be so transparent with it you will know there's nothing being held back."

Cross-Party Collaboration

Despite running as an independent, Damali says he would welcome a cabinet comprising councillors from different parties. "I get on with whoever. We might not fundamentally agree on different things potentially, but as long as we have the main vision for Lewisham, that's the only thing that matters. We can make it work, no matter what party you're from. I'd love to work with people from different parties; I don't think we should have a one-party domination in Lewisham." He noted that he gets along with both Labour and Green councillors currently in the borough.

Commitment to Residents

Damali acknowledges he doesn't have all the answers but emphasises his willingness to listen. "Lewisham has been run by the same political structures for decades, and on the whole residents are not happy. Electing me would mean an independent leader that answers directly to residents. Not to party lines." He stresses his long-term commitment: "I'm also not someone who only appears or cares during election time. I've been here before the campaign, I'm here during the campaign, and I'll be here long after the campaign too."

Local Elections Information

On May 7, eligible Lewisham residents will vote in two local elections: one for councillors and one for the directly-elected mayor. Lewisham is one of five London boroughs with a directly-elected mayor, alongside Croydon, Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets. The mayor leads the council, directs strategy, proposes the annual budget, and chairs the cabinet of elected councillors.