In saying Hola from the beautiful and spectacular Pineda De Mar in the Costa Brava, where today one had done a gorgeous 8K run and had been in the pool by 1pm, I cannot help feeling for the first time both simultaneously very excited and incredibly relaxed, being on my first visit to Mainland Europe since February 2019. This week’s visit came from a call by fellow Volunteer Race Makers at Silverstone, who in March 2024 asked about interest for a group trip to a Grand Prix. Knowing that I’d always want to experience one overseas and that I haven’t had a continental visit since pre-pandemic, this was something I simply could not refuse. It has also naturally given me a lot of time to reflect and be pretty pleased with how 2025 has turned out thus far, not least this month alone. Alongside this week's holiday, running my first Half Marathon at the Great Birmingham Run which I organised a team for at work and thus contributed to over £2,000 being raised for St Basils, alongside seeing a gorgeous wedding of an amazing work colleague (congrats again Lucy!), plus judge at Solutions for the Planet’s Big Ideas Central England Regional Final for a sixth year running, joining the Board of Coventry Biennial and marching at Birmingham Pride with fellow Wolverhampton Wanderers fans last Saturday for a fourth year in succession, has made this personally a Magnificent May and really shows the power of communities and it’s people at its brilliant best. Back to here; and with lots of lounging beside the pool and my first dips into a swimming pool done since a family visit to Haven Marton Mere in July 2013 (true story!) and some utterly exquisite food being consumed, attention turns to the main event, in witnessing the Formula 1 armaco Gran Premio de Espana 2025, in what is set to be the Circuit de Catalunya’s final bow on the calendar. Even if they have a deal until 2026, Madrid taking away the race for a somewhat annoying looking circuit around a convention centre near an airport, it seems will make Sunday a curtain call after 35 years of noble service. With the track having fairly limited overtaking opportunities (thankfully a lot more than Monaco, which should be made an exhibition event in my view) but a knack for causing drama, it is anyone’s guess who will claim the glory on Race Day itself. Even despite Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton winning every race here since the former’s extraordinary maiden victory in 2016, between 2007-2016 saw 10 different winners on the bounce, illustrating the need for a fast car, being in position to strike when the iron is hot and simply having some belief that it could be anyone’s day. No doubt two key factors for Round 9 of this season, will be the stifling heat that is expected of 29/30 Celsius all weekend and thus the impact this will have on the tires, alongside runaway contenders in McLaren suggesting a performance drop-off is expected with the long-awaited rule changes to the Flexi-Wing (excellently sum-upped by The Race ), which Zak Brown and his boys have utilised to perfection until this moment. A 172-point Constructors World Championship lead after 8 rounds symbolises that to a T. This really goes open up the possibility of a fascinating contest, one of which I cannot and thus I will not specifically predict one name. I do however have a thought that this could turn out to be 2025’s big surprise and that a wildly unexpected victor has their moment, just like Gasly at Monza in 2020 and Ocon at Hungry 2021. Of course, Alonso or Sainz winning on home soil would be majestic beyond measure! With a blisteringly quick Start/Finish Straight, gradient changes and undulation which makes the place almost like a Rollercoaster (as once impeccably illustrated in song by Ronan Keating) and all types of corners around the track, this is sure to be another dramatic and unpredictable 190 Miles come Sunday afternoon. On top of the F1, there will be some extremely entertaining racing in Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Supercup; all of whom have some exceptional and generational talents within (as Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and George Russell have sublimely illustrated), of which make some early alarm calls when watching at home and the annual pilgrimage of volunteering at Silverstone more than worth it. F2 and the Porsches I suspect however will try to be on their best behaviour, after there Wacky Races style pileups at Turn 1 at Monte Carlo last weekend, which at least again show the immense safety which competitive racing of the kind really has at its core. There will be huge talking points and a lot for me to saviour and see over the coming three days and all of which, makes me very lucky to experience it in real life and I feel massively grateful. No doubt, Little Old Me (cheers Taylor for the inspo in using those three words) would not have believed it just 10 years ago. With that, here’s to a fine few days of motorsport and as I did on Tuesday night sinking another 0% Pina Colada or two, or three!

I'm honoured to have joined the Board and become a Trustee of a force in Contemporary Arts in the West Midlands!

I am utterly appalled and deeply disgusted to hear that Wolverhampton Wanderers did not even apply for promotion to the Women’s Championship for Wolverhampton Wanderers Women , in the event they won the Women’s National League North: which came within 3 points of happening, after they finished 2nd just behind Nottingham Forest in a closely fought battle. On the back of another excellent campaign by the side, which alongside that second place in the 3rd tier of English football included a big Black County Derby win in front of over 3,000 at Molineux on March 23rd and a record club attendance of 5,008 for a second consecutive FA Cup 5th Round appearance in February, hearing such news yesterday has put back such progress considerably and it sadly would not surprise me if Macca and a large majority of the side departed for pastures new this Summer. The clear lack of respect, lack of parity and it seems lack of simple decency towards Macca and his side, who have been in the mix not just this season but for the last several - despite a massive lack of budget compared to other sides, is an even greater and damming stain on the leadership of Jeff Shi and Fosun at the very top of the organisation and shows an unacceptable and inexcusable disrespect towards Women’s Football, which continues to grow in all its forms. This is the clearest and even more shocking evidence that change is urgently required within Wolves hierarchy, and I call on Fosun International, once again, to immediately intervene and dismiss Shi as Executive Chairman of the business after nearly 9 years, which has seen transparency, fan engagement and in this case, honesty, plummet to record lows and terrible depths. I also call for a formal public apology by the club, outlining what occurred in this circumstance, stating truthfully what the intention was and is around next season and the club finally outlining what the long-term plan is for Wolves Women, whose time for that extra investment to push us to the next level is long and most certainly overdue. The motto of “One Pack” means absolutely nothing when hearing about such action and as a member of the club’s Equality Advisory Group, I and others are seeking speedy and comprehensive answers, a group of players, whose efforts, decency and immense commitment to Wolverhampton Wanderers and the City of Wolverhampton, deserve so much better.

I am thrilled to being part of an exciting step, in Solutions' next stage of development!

With 2025’s World Autism Awareness Day being today, I can’t help but reflect on how much there is to do in giving the next generation the opportunities they deserve, but that many are relishing the opportunity to input and fighting for better. Last Thursday night, I as an associate of Changing Our Lives along with others did a half hour presentation to 30 young and aspiring footballers at Sporting Khalsa in Willenhall, as part of a project that seeks to break down perceptions of Autism and Learning Disability in the South Asian Community. I came away from that feeling really encouraged and pleased, at the understanding and real sense of compassion which those youngsters had for one another and illustrates the immense power of education when in action. It also made me reflect on just how much I have personally done and achieved. A University Graduate, someone who has sat on both set of benches in special Parliamentary sittings, visited Number 10, being a guest at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, having my first full-time job at the biggest major event that my part of the world has ever seen, then moving on to being a part of regional government, as well as volunteering at the Home of Motorsport regularly, being an advocate for various organisations in the disability, sustainability and cultural spaces and running to serve my home City for four years, are all things which for someone like me usually shouldn’t happen! But all that and much more has occurred, which just shows that when the right support is there and by working as hard as you can, people in their own ways can reach the stars. All as above mentioned feel beyond my wildest dreams, but with employment for Autistic and Neurodiverse people still incredibly low and opportunities being limited all thanks to perceptions and diagnoses, as well as broken systems holding millions back: there is still A LOT more to do. Knowing all that I have questioned myself intently: what more can I do as part of such an important mission? Well, with me having scooped 5,102 votes from four Local Government Elections since 2021, even if the last two polls have been incredibly narrow failures which have naturally drained some confidence, I am firmly of the belief that having skin the game, utilising and highlighting personal experiences and willing to go above and beyond in the service of others, is far better than sitting on the sidelines as some, particularly of other generations have somewhat suggested. As a 27 year old whose generation has had potential squashed and opportunities reduced; particularly fellow Autistic and Neurodivergent people and those who reside in communities which has been chronic underinvestment, sitting back for me will never been option. And seeing too, contrary to many narratives and views of some, that many are able to juggle personal lives, alongside their careers, representational responsibilities and other things; I cannot see why that should hinder my aspiration and mission of giving back to the place which I am grateful for opening up all I have done, since becoming a Wulfrunian in 2009. So after very lengthy and hard fought consideration in the last several months and with processes now underway, I do today confirm it’s my intention to apply to be part of The Labour Party’s approved Panel of Candidates and therefore seek selection for the City of Wolverhampton Council Elections on Thursday May 7th 2026 . There have been many points which I have come very close to walking away and putting out a statement declining to apply to be on the Panel of Candidates, not least through things which have been stated and which I believe deliberately and by calculation seek to discourage people like me. I however, as I feel I have shown at many stages in my life, am not one for quitting and with my experiences, growing knowledge and unlimited passion for seeking to be a real change maker and a contributor for the common good, feel that my time to step up that service through Local Government, has duly arrived. I thus look forward to again seeking to submit myself for even greater service in the coming months and if selected by a Branch, will embrace campaigning in seeking what is right. And knowing that I have sought to serve others in the past 13 years, I state that why can’t others who have wonky glasses like me, who take a little longer to think stuff through like me and who perhaps need a few more folks to give them a hand, be able to be a change maker too! I will look forward to updating you all on this and other things down the line, with humility rooted in my heart.

My remarks to WM Labour Regional Conference on March 1st 2025.

A Very Happy New Year! A few more Reflections on 2024 and a 2025 Preview

As 2024 comes toward an end, I can say that this year for me has been one of change, one of further development and one of opening my eyes in many ways. In typing this reflection, I feel immensely satisfied and proud to have made this year my first in a full-time job without a fixed end date, in an organisation of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has plenty of opportunities for me to consider in the coming months and years and working within in an outstanding team. I also feel hugely delighted at continuing to give my time in voluntary service, not least through Parkrun, Silverstone and in the perhaps once in a generation Champions League Final at Wembley in the Summer, as well as raise £405, in two events of the Great Birmingham Run of £130 for Cure Leukemia and £275 at the Molineux Sleepout for Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd. On top, to have again sought office to serve my home city for a fourth year running and garnered 1,656 votes (even if not a winning total!), as well as contributed to successful wider political campaigning for my party’s and substantially expanded on my engagement in them gave me a privilege and deeper fire in the belly than ever before, in giving back to Wulfrunians. Finally, many more runs, seeing Taylor Swift, Kaiser Chiefs and The Darkness in concert, plus a sublime Musical about the pop heroes in Steps, marching at two Pride events, continuing engagement with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Solutions for the Planet and Changing Our Lives and completing a fantastic personal development programme on getting younger folk as Trustees in Arts and Cultural organisations, have all formed part of another busy 12 months. Naturally however, losing an Election and your best furry friend in my house’s dog Harley, alongside needing to help move my Mum to a safer place, all in the space of 7 weeks stung greatly in May and June. The death of a beloved dog and family member and Mum’s house move were not easy financially to deal with, but I managed it as has been the case with previous years. This year has also meant some greatly more honest and blunt conversations, which have burnt a few bridges with once seen trustworthy allies and pals. Being straight and upfront however is sometimes the best course and I don’t regret that for one moment, not least when the mind is burdened enough with day-to-day activity. Those things have definitely made me really realised that the world is a big and lonely place, and that sense of loneliness continues to affect my thoughts. This no doubt feels true and always will do at Christmas, with December 25th being the anniversary of Kieran’s passing in 2021 aged just 25 and I frankly will never know how to truly feel on the day itself. Knowing he is not here to share Christmas lunch will always put a size 9 boot dent in my heart. Having said that, I have good people around me and I give my wholehearted thanks to all for your continued support and good wishes, at what will forever be a sensitive and mournful point of the year, in my family’s life. In whatever way which you and your family mark this festive and new year period, I hope it is as enjoyable and peaceful as it possibly can be and that it gives a chance to rest and be with those closest to you, as well as embrace it being the season of giving, whether gifts or love. A further blog post, or two, on reflecting 2024 and looking ahead to 2025 shall come before the clock hits midnight next Wednesday.

The Co-operative Party has been a natural home for me for towards five years and gives me a brilliant platform to shout about and run on critical issues. As Chair of the Walsall, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire, Branch and as a Labour and Co-operative candidate in Local Elections in my home City of Wolverhampton since 2021, I’m proud to make an impact and with the party’s immense expansion over the years, I would be honoured to play a bigger part. And as someone with experience in Youth Representation – most recently with the West Midlands Young Combined Authority and Labour Party wise as the current Policy and Political Education Officer for the Wolverhampton West CLP, I feel ready to use that skill set to the full. Thus, if Elected as a Youth Committee Member, I will: Help to establish a WM Young Co-operative Youth Network spread right across my region, which is not just stuck within the Metropolitan centre; Work with Labour groups across my region, for them to Elect a Co-operative Rep on to their committee s; Engage with our friends In Trade Unions, Fabians Society and The Labour Party to run joint events; whether campaigning, educational or socially; Work with colleagues to ensure events are accessible as possible, not least for Neurodiverse people ; Join Young Co-operators up and down the nation in campaignin g; And be Accountable and Transparent in my work as per the Nolan Principles, so fellow Members can question me at any moment . We have a wonderful opportunity to shape the Party’s future and with a Labour and Co-operative Government now in place, it would be a huge privilege for myself to play a part. Please vote Kashmire Hawker for Youth Committee. Thank You!