Casablanca — Labour Friends of Morocco is a relatively new political group working to build closer ties between the United Kingdom and Morocco, while giving more visibility to the British-Moroccan community within the Labour Party and Parliament. Made up of elected officials and party members, the group positions itself at the intersection of diplomacy, community advocacy, and domestic politics.
Its agenda is broad but rooted in a few clear priorities. At the core of the group’s vision is the need to further deepen UK-Morocco relations, especially in areas like trade, renewable energy, and technology. The group also puts emphasis on cultural exchange, aiming to connect students, professionals, and artists across both countries.
In addition, it focuses on representation at home, encouraging political participation among British Moroccans and pushing for their concerns to be heard more clearly in public institutions.
Joe Powell: anti-corruption advocate and MP
At the helm of the group is Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, who serves as chair. Before entering Parliament, Powell worked internationally on governance and transparency, including as Deputy CEO of the Open Government Partnership, an initiative launched by former US President Barack Obama.
His work has largely focused on anti-corruption, from campaigning to force extractive industries to disclose payments, to tackling inequality at the local level.
Since becoming an MP, Powell has taken on several roles in Parliament. He has chaired cross party groups on anti-corruption and leasehold reform and sits on the committee overseeing housing and local government policy. More recently, he was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry of Justice.
He also founded the Kensington Against Dirty Money campaign, targeting empty homes and pushing for more investment in social housing. Powell lives in Ladbroke Grove, grew up nearby in Queen’s Park, and remains closely tied to the area he represents.
Aicha Less: first British Moroccan councillor and Deputy Leader
Alongside him is Aicha Less, director of Labour Friends of Morocco and a long-standing figure in Westminster politics. Born and raised in London to Moroccan parents who landed in the UK in 1969, she has spent most of her life in the borough.
After nearly two decades working in the public sector at the Local Government Association, she was selected as a Labour candidate and elected in 2016 to represent Church Street ward with more than 70% of the vote.
She became the first British-Moroccan elected to Westminster City Council and now serves as Deputy Leader, overseeing children’s services and public protection. She has consistently advocated for social justice, equality, and diversity, while also raising two daughters.
Iman Less: Councillor and Chief Whip
One of them is Iman Less, who followed a similar path into public service. Born and raised in Westminster, she studied international economic policy and has focused on public health and social issues. Elected in 2022, she has served as Deputy Cabinet Member for Public Health and is currently Chief Whip.
She also holds the role of Night Time Champion, contributing to discussions around Westminster’s nightlife strategy backed by the Mayor of London. Outside politics, she works in cybersecurity and has a strong interest in artificial intelligence.
Together with her mother, she is part of the first mother and daughter duo to sit on the council.
Mohamed: first-time Westminster candidate
Another emerging figure is Mohamed, who is standing for the first time in the 2026 Westminster elections. Raised on Harrow Road, he now works in Parliament supporting minister Georgia Gould, where he focuses on bringing local concerns into national discussions.
He has also organized events connecting voices from across the MENA region, both in Parliament and within the community.
Coming from an Amazigh family with roots in Casablanca and Chichaoua, he often speaks about how that background shapes his approach to public service and his focus on inclusion.
The United Kingdom will hold local elections on May 7 across multiple councils, including in London boroughs such as Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. Voters will elect councillors responsible for local services, including housing, public safety, and community programs.
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