Councillor Idris was born in Tubingen Germany where her parents were studying for their PhDs. Her mother specialised in Economics while her father was working in Zoology. She completed secondary school in Khartoum, Sudan, before attending Indiana University in the United States (Bloomington, Indiana) where she read Psychology, Sociology and Economics. After attaining her BA, she and her mother founded the first agricultural social enterprise in Africa.
In 1991, with a toddler and six months pregnant, Councillor Idris moved to the UK and made London their home. Raising her daughters as a single parent was not always easy, but it played a huge part in the person she is today.
In her quest to give back to her adopted home, for years she flirted with the idea of becoming a Member of Parliament, but after working with a number of MPs, She realised she can achieve more as a local Councillor. In 2018, she was elected councillor for the Brompton and Hans Town Ward of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
1 which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I am very fortunate, my home is also my absolute favourite place in the world. I first visited London in my early teens and instantly fell in love. The trees, the parks, garden squares… seeing green everywhere took my breath away. I adore this city and its gentle, unassuming vibrancy.
2 what are your proudest achievements?
My two daughters. Admittedly, there has been times when I wasn’t sure if I could make it as a parent. But raising my girls has taught me a lot about life and myself. I found confidence, strength and learnt resilience from raising them. I truly believe I am a better person because I’m a mother.
3 what inspires you?
Achievements, success and independence.
4 what has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Myself, I sometimes get in my own way. Although I am quite ambitious and confident, I sometimes doubt myself. I am learning not to and getting better at getting out of my own way.
5 who has been biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents, they instilled in me self-believe and a can-do attitude. They believed in me, encouraged and supported me in every turn, even when they didn’t 100% agree with my choices. Plus, they were always there when things didn’t work out and I needed a shoulder to cry on.
6 what is the best aspect about your current role?
Helping people and making a difference. I know it sounds cliché, but actually the job of Councillor is to help residents and the community, and I very much enjoy doing it.
7 and the worst?
When I can’t help because the situation is either out of my control or unresolvable.
8 what are your long term goals?
Helping people is my passion and motivation. Giving them a voice and making a difference to their lives is what drives and thrills me. My goal is to help as many people as I can, and improve as many lives as possible.
9 if you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Championing awareness of loneliness and isolation: a growing phenomenal affecting people of all ages and from all backgrounds. My goal is to foster awareness of loneliness and isolation in schools, hospitals, after-school projects, the work place and all communities, by simply weaving that awareness into all aspects of daily lives.
10 if you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
The late Princess Diana, because I feel her story was unfinished and there is a lot left to tell and I would very much love to hear it. Plus, I know she was fun, and I have a feeling hanging out with her would be a blast.
