Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary and MP for Birmingham, Ladywood, has surprised many with her newfound passion for weightlifting. The former barrister, now 45, showcased her strength by deadlifting an impressive 105 kg (16-and-a-half stone). At a recent event, when faced with a heckler questioning her immigration policies, Shabana fearlessly shut him down with a blunt response.
Born in Birmingham to Pakistani parents with roots in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Shabana has a background that spans different countries due to her father’s job as a civil engineer. Her journey into weightlifting began over a decade ago as a means to improve her health and fitness, eventually leading her to excel in the sport.
As the Home Secretary since September 2025, Shabana’s responsibilities include overseeing police, immigration, and border security. Despite her tough stance on immigration reforms, she finds solace in weightlifting as a personal challenge where she competes against herself.
Aside from weightlifting, Shabana also engages in cardio workouts, including pushing a weighted sled known as the prowler. Reflecting on her childhood experiences working in her parents’ corner shop, she empathizes with today’s shopkeepers facing challenges like shoplifting.
In response to a former political opponent’s admiring comments, Shabana humorously brushed off Michael Gove’s remarks, emphasizing that her focus remains on her duties and the security measures in place around her. Her dedication to her role as Home Secretary is evident in her commitment to balancing the demands of public office with her personal interests in fitness and strength training.
