In this episode of Greens Rising, Jonathan Elmer welcomes Khaled Musharraf, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne's first Green councillor of Bangladeshi origin, who shares the journey that led him from flood-hit Bangladesh to the Elswick area in the west end of Newcastle.

Khaled reflects on:

– Resigning from a senior leadership role to honour a commitment to residents

– Witnessing climate devastation as a child

– Building community through cricket

– Working with local school children to secure major investment in Elswick Park

– His vision for restoring pride in the West End

This is a story about grassroots leadership, climate justice and the power of local action.

00:00 Introduction

01:42 Welcome to Greens Rising

02:56 Choosing Community Over Career

05:52 Grassroots Activism & Identity

06:24 Climate Change & Bangladesh

08:48 Why the Green Party?

09:53 Restoring Pride in Elswick

11:43 Building Community Through Cricket

14:51 Proud Geordie: Belonging & Identity

15:47 Leadership Lessons & Foreign Aid

18:07 Wins as a Councillor – The Park Project

20:17 Politics Shifting in Newcastle

20:36 Vision for the West End

22:35 “It Is Our Time” – Final Call

22:51 Closing Reflections & Outro

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who cares about the future of their community.

Get involved:

1. Join the Green Party: https://join.greenparty.org.uk
2. Newcastle Green Party: https://newcastleupontyne.greenparty.org.uk
3. Muslim Greens: https://muslimgreens.greenparty.org.uk