Zen Ghani (born 2001) is a Scottish politician who has served as Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok since 2026.
Zen Ghani | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2026 | |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok | |
| Assumed office 7 May 2026 | |
| Preceded by | constituency established |
| Majority | 5,163 (20.0%) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2001 (age 24–25) |
| Party | Scottish National Party |
Biography
editGhani grew up in kinship care in the Southside of Glasgow and has spoken publicly about using free school meals at Shawlands Academy as a child.[1] Ghani studied at the University of Glasgow, graduating in 2023 with a MA (Hons) in Politics and History.
In the 2022 Glasgow City Council election, Ghani was elected to represent Pollokshields ward on Glasgow City Council, becoming the youngest councillor in the city and the only SNP gain in the city. His term began on 5 May 2022 and is scheduled to run until 6 May 2027.[2][3] In 2025, he was given the Al Ihsan Award for Public Service at the Scottish Muslim Awards.[4]
At the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, Ghani was elected as the Scottish National Party MSP for the Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok constituency, defeating Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Ghani received 14,270 votes to Sarwar's 9,107, giving him a majority of 5,163.[5] He had also stood on the Glasgow regional list, where he was placed eighth.[6]
References
edit- ↑ "As a kid, I only got hot meals from school, now I'm an MSP candidate". Glasgow Times. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
- ↑ "Councillor Zen Ghani". Glasgow City Council. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
- ↑ "Meet the 23-year-old SNP councillor hoping to defeat Anas Sarwar in 2026". The National. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "Glasgow councillor given prestigious award for public service". Glasgow Times. 29 September 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ McIntosh, Stuart (8 May 2026). "Scottish Parliament election 2026: The key results". Holyrood. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
- ↑ Hilley, Sarah (9 May 2025). "Glasgow's youngest councillor chosen to stand as Holyrood election candidate". Glasgow Live. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
External links
edit- Official website
- Scottish Parliament profiles of MSPs: Zen Ghani
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