Waseem Zaffar is a social justice campaigner, an advocate for a better environment, a political activist, father of three boys and an excited Aston Villa season ticket holder. Born and bought up in Lozells, he has served as its Councillor since 2011. On Birmigham City Council he has served as the Cabinet lead for transport, environment, clean air, climate change, highways, equalities, social justice, community safety and creating a cohesive city.

As well as being the Director of Midlands Community Solutions CIC, Waseem is a Board Member of The Active Wellbeing Society and Associate Director of the Clean Air Justice Network.

Waseem was for many years a Justice of Peace on the Birmingham & Solihull bench, as well as the CEO of a Handsworth not-for-profit organisation. His community work has been recognised by several awards including an MBE for services to the voluntary sector.

He also served for eight years as a Non-Executive Director of Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, which includes City Hospital, where he was born. At the Trust, he chaired the Charity Funds Committee and Integration Committee. He previously served as a Director of Birmingham International Airport and the West Side Business Improvement District.

Waseem is Chair of Governors at Heathfield Primary School, which he attended as a child and where his sons are pupils today. Always a proud Brummie, Waseem developed the successful Birmingham Heritage Week which has just completed its tenth year. The projects promote the Birmingham story over many years and the learning, achievements and contributions of the communities that have come, gone and stayed in brilliantly diverse Birmingham.

During his time on Birmingham City Council, Waseem has led on developing several high profile projects including the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, the Birmingham Transport Plan, Route to Zero Climate Change Action Plan, Perry Barr Transport Transformation, Birmingham Clean Air Strategy and Birmingham Heritage Week.