Muslim MPs celebrated in 2026 Women of Westminster list

Home Affairs Correspondent

The 2026 edition of Women in Westminster: The 100, officially revealed on March 3, has highlighted the growing influence of Muslim women in British politics and public life.

Now in its seventh year, the annual list recognises one hundred women who have made a significant impact across Westminster, including parliamentarians, civil servants, campaigners and public affairs professionals.

The honourees are selected by Total Politics with input from a board of patrons, reflecting leadership, public service and influence across legislation, policy and community engagement over the past year. The list also incorporates nominations from across the political, civil service and public affairs sectors, demonstrating a cross‑sector perspective on women’s contribution to Westminster.

The 2026 list was unveiled at the Palace of Westminster following nominations submitted in the autumn of 2025, and featured a new patron, Jaee Samant, Director General at the Department for Business and Trade, highlighting the initiative’s broad reach.

Among those recognised are Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, noted for her historic role as the first female Muslim Lord Chancellor and her ongoing leadership in Cabinet, and Nusrat Ghani, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means, who holds one of the highest constitutional offices in Parliament and was the first ethnic minority MP to serve as Deputy Speaker.

Rushanara Ali, MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney, is recognised for her work on community cohesion and her role as a Labour backbencher and in international development, while Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South, is included for her advocacy on social justice and civil liberties as an Independent MP, having previously been recognised by the Patchwork Foundation and the Coventry Legends Awards for her local engagement.

Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse and the UK’s first hijab-wearing MP, is cited for her work supporting domestic abuse survivors and representing the concerns of diverse urban communities. Veteran MP Yasmin Qureshi, representing Bolton South and Walkden, is included for her long-standing parliamentary service and advocacy on international human rights and legal reform. In the House of Lords, Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE, CEO of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, is recognised for her work ensuring that the experiences of Muslim women are reflected in government policy, particularly in healthcare and criminal justice.

The initiative highlights not only positions of power but also influence, visibility and public impact, celebrating women whose work has shaped debate, policy and institutions. The 2026 list illustrates the increasing representation of Muslim women across senior Cabinet positions, constitutional offices, parliamentary leadership and advocacy organisations, reflecting broader trends in Westminster, where women now make up around 40% of MPs.