Leadership is often associated with experience, but what if passion, resilience, and vision could be just as powerful? In this exclusive Life.London feature, we introduce the youngest-ever Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea—an inspiring new face in civic leadership. From his early days in Merseyside to his rise in London’s political scene, his journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, determination, and community-driven change.

More than a ceremonial figure, he’s using his influence to uplift young people, champion mental health initiatives, and break down barriers in public service. Through his fresh perspective and hands-on approach, he’s proving that leadership is not about age, it is about impact. Read on to discover how he’s shaping the future of Kensington and Chelsea, one initiative at a time.

A Journey from Merseyside to Mayoralty

The title of youngest Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea is impressive, but the story behind it is even more inspiring. Raised in Merseyside and educated at Calday Grange Grammar School, the Mayor attributes much of his success to the powerful influence of the women in his life.

“It really comes down to a small number of people who inspired me and gave me the right motivation. Believe it or not, nearly all of them were women,” he shares. His sixth form English teacher, Mrs. Storey, now Deputy Head, stands out as someone who made Shakespeare’s characters like Hamlet “come alive.” He recalls, “I would have happily stayed after school for more English lessons—sounds crazy, but it’s true! Teachers are amazing, and as Mayor, I’ll shout that from the Town Hall rooftop any day.”

Of course, his mother remains his greatest inspiration. Raising two sons while working full-time, her resilience taught him the value of dedication and empathy—qualities that now define his leadership.

From Law to Leadership: A Natural Transition

With a background in law and government affairs, the Mayor views law as the “fabric of rules that governs human civilization.” This perspective has proven invaluable in navigating council regulations and advocating for local causes.

“A Borough Mayor is ceremonial—you don’t have much de jure power—but you do have influence. I try to use that to raise awareness of issues, like the inspiring work of my Mayoral Charity, the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation,” he explains.

Empowering Youth: Leading by Example

“My perspective with young people is this: just be genuine and speak to them the same way you’d speak to adults. I remember when I was 10, and much of my thoughts then were the same as they are now (what career do I want? which people do I want to spend time with? and where do I want to end up in life? Am I going to have to work this evening or can I relax?) We don’t change as much as we think.”

As the youngest Mayor in the borough’s history, he is uniquely positioned to connect with younger residents. His approach? Authenticity and engagement.

“Recently, I met with young people from St Mary’s Ukrainian School, gave them a Town Hall tour, and answered their questions. One girl asked over 20 intelligent questions—it was brilliant! Seeing a Mayor not far from their age makes public service feel achievable. She could be in my shoes one day.”

His message to youth is clear: “Just be genuine. Speak to them the same way you’d speak to adults. We don’t change as much as we think.”

A Mayoral Charity with Impact: The Kensington + Chelsea Foundation

Choosing the K+C Foundation as his Mayoral Charity was no accident—their work spans the entire borough, tackling issues from mental health to youth opportunities.

“They support projects reaching over 3,000 residents, addressing everything from depression to loneliness and anxiety. It’s not just about buzzwords—it’s real, life-changing support.”

To raise both funds and awareness, the Mayor is stepping into the boxing ring for the Mayor’s Boxing Showdown on May 10, with all proceeds supporting the Foundation’s crucial mental health projects.

Community Initiatives: Helping the Vulnerable

“I also think it’s always worth remembering that disadvantage can come in many forms, and people can become vulnerable for a number of reasons. It can happen to any of us and we should do our best to walk a mile in the shoes of people less fortunate than ourselves.”

Beyond fundraising, the Mayor is committed to practical change. “Disadvantage comes in many forms, and vulnerability can happen to any of us,” he reflects. His approach is grounded in empathy—always striving to “walk a mile in the shoes” of those less fortunate and using his platform to amplify their voices.

Beyond the Robes: Passions that Shape Leadership

Outside of official duties, the Mayor finds joy in classical music, Everton Football Club, and British history. He’s quick to downplay football fandom as a public figure but fondly recalls evening matches at Goodison Park with his grandfather.

His passion for classical music fuels another ambition—expanding access for working-class youth.

“I only started playing piano at 18 and felt miles behind peers from posher schools. Initiatives like Opera Holland Park’s Inspire Programme, offering free music classes to underrepresented kids, are game-changers.”

His love for history extends to quirky borough facts, like Kensington and Chelsea being the first London borough allowed to use the word “and” in its title—a privilege once unique to them before other boroughs, like Hammersmith and Fulham, followed suit.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

In his own words, the following golden pieces of advice are essential knowledge for the new generation of aspiring leaders:

“Work hard. That’s honestly the most important piece of advice. You can have all the raw ingredients: intelligence, looks, voice, a way with people… (I’m not saying I have these things by the way!), but if you don’t work hard, you won’t get to where you really want to be. You might still be quite successful, or coasting along in life OK, but you won’t reach your full potential. Hard work is vital.”

Despite his remarkable achievements at such a young age, Councillor Will Lane remains grounded and self-aware, openly acknowledging the privileges that have shaped his journey. “I am lucky in that I’ve had lots of privilege in my life—I’m not afraid to admit that,” he reflects. “A brilliant mother, brilliant teachers, a great family and friends support network… I’ve had so many people lift me up along the way.”

Yet, his message to others—especially those from less advantaged backgrounds—is one of hope and determination. “I won’t pretend to speak for people who really have it tough,” he says,

“my advice would be to not let anything about your background put you off from achieving your goal because you can do it”

Whether in politics, civic life, or personal ambition, he believes the barriers can be broken. “History is filled with examples of people doing this against the odds,” he adds. “So it is true.”

“My other piece of advice is to read” he says. “We’re limited in what we can learn from experience alone and books are a way to multiply, exponentially, your ability to be successful in anything – by learning. If you really don’t like reading, find podcasts or YouTube videos that help you get to your goal – rather than just watching TV!”

Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making

As the youngest-ever Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Councillor Will Lane is proving that leadership isn’t about age but impact. From empowering youth and promoting mental health to celebrating community resilience, his tenure is setting a powerful precedent.

For those inspired by his journey like us, follow his work on Instagram: @mayorofkensingtonandchelsea.

In his own words: “History is filled with people achieving against the odds”, and just like him, you can be one of them.