A quick guide to Akhmed Yakoob: West Midlands mayoral candidate
Akhmed Yakoob is the independent candidate for the West Midlands mayoral election. Here’s what you need to know about him.
He is known for his legal videos on TikTok
A director with a Birmingham-based firm of solicitors, Mr Yakoob has more than 178,000 followers on TikTok where his videos have been liked almost four million times. He describes himself on the platform as "not a magician but a legal tactician". He closes a lot of his videos with the catchphrase "remember that".
He wants to see more houses on former industrial sites
Mr Yakoob says he wants to create more homes in the region by building on brownfield sites. He says there are a lot of abandoned sites and, as well as building on them, he would also make sure more jobs come into the area.
He has international aims
The pro-Palestine candidate says he will be an advocate for people in Gaza, Kashmir and Khalistan. He has been backed by MP George Galloway, who was victorious in the recent Rochdale by-election.
A focus on funerals
Mr Yakoob says he wants to ensure burial services in the West Midlands meet religious requirements. He says he will work with councils to ensure funerals happen swiftly.
He answers his critics on social media
Criminal lawyer Mr Yaqoob says he will work closely with the police and crime commissioner to bring down crime levels in the West Midlands if elected - in a direct response to people saying he benefits from those who take part in illegal behaviour. "If reduction in crime reduces some of my business, so be it - at least the public are safe," he says.
He wants to see more foreign investment
Mr Yaqoob cites China and the Middle East as areas that could build factories in the West Midlands and create more jobs.
