Shams Syed is standing in the ward of Rusholme in Manchester for the Green Party, determined to bring politics of care in a refreshing change of pace to Labour councillors. Even further, given the long-standing failure of Manchester council, Syed is committed to fighting for proper investment and care for the local community.
Bringing a wealth of experience working with oppressed and impoverished people in war-torn, ravaged countries, Syed makes clear that he has a deep sense of responsibility to work in the interests of all who reside in the Manchester ward.
In competition with billionaire-funded Reform and its hateful rhetoric, Syed presents as a breath of fresh air in local politics as he puts communities first — not billionaires’ profits.
Moreover, videos that have circulated recently show Labour MP for Rusholme, Afzal Khan, scoffing at claims that Palestinians are being ethnically cleansed from their homeland and denying genocide.
In contrast, Syed’s principled stance and opposition to oppression stand out all the more powerfully.
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Chronic underinvestment in Rusholme — and residents feel it
Syed, data analyst and activist, has been hard at work for weeks knocking on doors in the local area to hear how local residents are really feeling and hear directly from the community the change that they wish to see in Rusholme. With the infamous ‘Curry Mile’ sitting within the ward, this area is one of the most visited and most cherished parts of Manchester, attracting people locally and from further afield.
However, despite having an incumbent Labour councillor who is now running for their umpteenth term in the upcoming local election, people in the area have felt the consequences of chronic underinvestment. As a result, local residents see deep, ingrained issues in regard to waste management and a growing pest problem due to a failure to manage this properly by the Labour-run Manchester council.
Syed: ‘minority communities face greater barriers’
In contrast to nearly two decades of failure by the council and lack of effective representation by the sitting Labour councillor, Syed has shown through his past experience that when he sees struggle and deprivation, he takes decisive action. This is all the more clear when we take into account all he does for his community even without being an elected councillor; whether that be through volunteering at local food banks, helping the most food insecure in Manchester, or volunteering with local initiatives to tackle health and inequality, his commitment to standing in the face of adversity is clear to see.
Furthermore, addressing systemic barriers which reduce access to care and opportunity are a priority for this Green candidate, which he has already been working on improving by delivering workshops to help people understand ever-changing technology and systems. This active work underscores just how much he might be able to achieve if he wins on 7 May.
We spent the afternoon with Syed and heard more about his proven experience in getting stuck in to make change happen. In addition to his work with local food banks, Syed told us:
I contribute to expanding digital inclusion in deprived communities, equipping residents, both young and old, with essential skills to access services, education, and employment opportunities, and introducing deprived communities to the latest modern technologies. I have also delivered workshops focused on health and inequality in Manchester, educating people on areas such as mental health, stroke, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and how minority communities face greater barriers and challenges in managing their health and accessing health services.
In addition, I volunteer in the delivery of humanitarian aid, having delivered aid across many countries in the last few years, including in conflict-affected regions, supporting vulnerable populations in challenging environments, and supported the set-up of sustainable livelihood projects internationally.
Green Party councillor ready to act, if elected
Showing his proficiency in technology and his commitment to outreach, Syed has documented his campaign using social media to try to reach his wider community:
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Green Party leader Zack Polanski paid a visit to Rusholme very recently, giving his full support to Green candidates in Manchester as he stood alongside Shams Syed:
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Labour MP for Rusholme: ‘It’s not genocide, it’s rubbish’
Current councillor for Rusholme, Rabnawaz Akbar, sits on every board and pension committee humanly possible – coincidentally, pension funds which finance Israel’s genocide on Gaza.
This makes it little to no surprise to learn the local MP has been recently exposed as a genocide-denier, which he has since refuted and insisted he:
always stood with the Palestinian cause and called for the horrific attacks to end from the start. I resigned from the shadow cabinet to do so. Lies are being spread to undermine my work and sow division in the community. These dirty tactics must end. I’ll never stop raising this important issue.
But actions speak louder than words, and those who genuinely stand with oppressed, terrorised, and occupied Palestinians should have no hesitation in condemning Israel’s actions. This also exposes the depth – or absence – of their politics of care: how can local residents place their trust in a councillor who will not recognise or oppose the mass killing of civilians?
Instead, Labour MP Khan just scoffed at the suggestion despite genocide scholars, the ICC and the ICJ declaring that Israel’s actions amount to genocide:
Labour MP Afzal Khan spoke outside a mosque about the situation in Palestine while campaigning.
"It’s not genocide, it’s rubbish"pic.twitter.com/yQRQaPwHTj
— smile2jannah (@smile2jannah) May 2, 2026
Vote for the Green Party in Rusholme, a councillor who actually cares about people
It is clear after spending just one afternoon with Shams Syed that he has a deep sense of personal and social responsibility to take action. That stands as a ray of hope for Rusholme, especially given what many see as atrocious mismanagement by Manchester City Council. This mismanagement is palpable when you witness the fly-tipping, poor waste management and lack of effort made to engage properly with the local community.
Greens have shown themselves to be proactive and conscientious — councillors who are ready to take the fight to the big dogs in order to speak up for their community. Something Rusholme has been lacking for far too long.
Therefore, we urge people in Rusholme to get behind Shams Syed and seize this opportunity to show those in power that the people who pay their wages matter most — not private profits or dodgy interests.
We at the Canary wish Syed all the best of luck tomorrow as his community make their way to the ballot to decide who will best represent their interests and speak truth to power.
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