Manchester Metropolitan University
Rabnawaz Akbar stands in a navy blue suit and white shirt next to Faraz Arian, who wears a grey hat and dark coat. they are standing in front of oak panelled pews and a grey brick wall.

Rusholme councillor shares vision for ‘strong and united’ Manchester

News | 10th March 2025

By Faraz Arian

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  • Featured image credit: Faraz Arian

Rusholme Labour councillor Rabnawaz Akbar discussed his career journey along with his hopes for the future of Manchester with the Northern Quota.

Born into a south Asian Muslim family, Councillor Akbar’s values of education, justice, and service were instilled in him from a young age. These principles guided him toward public service, with a mission to represent not just his own community, but all residents of Manchester.

“Public service is about ensuring that every individual regardless of background, race, faith, or identity feels seen, heard, and supported,” he stated.

Rabnawaz Akbar stands on the left of the image. He is bald and wears glasses, and is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a pink shirt, blue suit, and a lanyard. Faraz Arian stands to the right of the image, wearing a blue suit, dark jumper, white shirt, and grey flatcap. He is holding a sheet of paper and smiling at the camera.
Faraz Arian and Cllr Rabanwaz Akbar | Credit: Faraz Arian

Equality and representation for all

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the heart of Councillor Akbar’s work. As a public servant, he strives to represent people from all walks of life, ensuring that Manchester remains a city where everyone belongs.

“I am proud of my heritage as a south Asian Muslim, but my role as a councillor is to represent all communities,” he said.

“My focus is on building bridges and making sure every resident, whether they’re from the LGBTQ+ community, a different ethnicity, or another faith, has a voice.”

Facing challenges

In 2021, Councillor Akbar found himself at the centre of controversy when he was subjected to a malicious complaint regarding an alleged homophobic comment. Reflecting on this period, he emphasised the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.

“Even though I knew I had done nothing wrong, I had to go through the same process as anyone else to prove my innocence. It was a tough experience, but it reinforced my belief in due process and transparency,” he said.

He remains firm in his stance against all forms of discrimination: “There is no place for hate, online or offline. I have always stood for inclusivity and respect, and I will continue to do so.”

Rabnawaz Akbar stands on the left of the image. He is bald and wears glasses, and is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a pink shirt, blue suit, and a lanyard. Faraz Arian stands to the right of the image, wearing a blue suit, dark jumper, white shirt, and grey flatcap. He is smiling at the camera. they are stood in a council chamber with grey brick walls, oakwood tables, and a medieval sign on the wall behind. The sign reads: Concilio et labore'

Promoting cultural unity

Councillor Akbar is a strong advocate for cultural awareness and inclusivity, which is evident in his work with Macfest (the Muslim Art and Culture Festival). The festival was founded in response to the rise of Islamophobia following the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, and aims to showcase the richness of Muslim culture and challenge negative stereotypes.

“Macfest is about more than just art and culture; it’s about breaking down barriers and fostering understanding between communities,” he said.

He believes that Manchester’s strength lies in its diversity, where communities should celebrate their differences rather than simply tolerate them, particular as Manchester continues to expand.

“We must invest in housing. We’re already building nearly 1,900 new PRS homes in 2025 with more in the pipeline, including in education and in public health to ensure that all residents, especially those from marginalised communities, have access to opportunities,” he said.

Rabnawaz Akbar | Credit: Manchester City Council

With the city evolving, Councillor Akbar envisions a future where Manchester thrives in the face of technological advancements and economic changes. He highlighted the importance of affordable housing and job opportunities in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.

“Manchester is a growing city and we need to ensure that growth benefits everyone by ensuring that our residents have the skills and qualifications to access the opportunities in sectors like tech and AI,” he said.

A global perspective on instability

Beyond local issues, Councillor Akbar is deeply concerned about global instability, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Middle East. He stressed the need for diplomacy and international cooperation.

“Peace should always be the priority. We must work towards global stability while ensuring that Manchester remains a strong, united city,” he stated.

“Manchester is a city of resilience, diversity, and opportunity. My goal is to ensure that every resident feels empowered and included in our city’s future.”

Through his work in politics and community engagement, Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar continues to play a key role in shaping Manchester’s future, rooted in unity, progress, and inclusivity.