Goldsmiths Grad Becomes Lewisham Mayor

May 12, 2026

South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

A former student and staff member from Goldsmiths, University of London has been elected as the new Mayor of Lewisham. This marks a significant political shift for the borough.

A Historic Win for the Green Party

Liam Shrivastava, who studied MA Political Communications at Goldsmiths, secured victory in the election held on Thursday 7 May 2026. His win means the Green Party now controls Lewisham Council. This is the first time since 1971 that the council has not been run by Labour.

Deep Connections to the Borough

Shrivastava had recently joined Goldsmiths as Events and Communications Co-ordinator for the Migrant Futures Institute. He formally stepped down from his role at the university on Monday 11 May 2026 to take up his mayoral duties. Professor David Oswell, Interim Vice-Chancellor at Goldsmiths, congratulated Shrivastava. He expressed the university's ambition to continue working with Lewisham. Goldsmiths has strong ties to the borough through various initiatives. These include the New Cross Fire Bursaries scheme and a new learning space in Catford.

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South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

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