Westminster Law LLB Honours alumnus Rukhsar Askari has been elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor in the London Borough of Sutton following the 2026 local elections.
Rukhsar grew up in Lucknow, India, and moved to London as an international student at the University of Westminster in 2012. After graduating with a Law LLB Honours degree in 2015, Rukhsar went onto qualify as a solicitor, where her legal work dealing with domestic violence, immigration struggles and social discrimination faced by Asian and Black communities in Britian inspired her to get involved with politics.
As a result, Rukhsar ran as a Liberal Democrat candidate for The Wrythe ward of the London Borough of Sutton in the 2026 local elections and secured the win with a landslide victory of 1,593 votes. Her campaign focused on women’s safety and support, protecting the NHS and tackling the cost of living crisis.
Rukhsar’s success reflects the University’s Being Westminster strategic vision of being an institution whose people stand out as significant contributors to their communities seeking to make the world a more sustainable, healthier and better place.
About her experience at Westminster Rukhsar said: "I am truly honoured to have been elected as councillor for Sutton Ward. My time at the University of Westminster was instrumental in shaping my journey. I particularly remember being taught by Professor Radha D'Souza and Dr Jack Thompson, whose dedication and support had a lasting impact on me and played an important role in my success. The support and encouragement I received from academic colleagues helped me to complete my studies, then I went on to qualify as a solicitor and build the confidence and commitment I bring to public service today."
Rukhsar’s work on the council directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5: Gender Equality, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Law courses at the University of Westminster.
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