Rajesh Agrawal is in the running to be elected Labour Party’s next Member of Parliament from Leicester East. In this special Guest Op-Ed on the eve of the election, the British Indian candidate shares more about his vision for the city, targets he has set himself and Labour’s plans for the next five years.
I am so proud to be Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Leicester East. Like many in this city, I came to this country from India with ambition and determination, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for achieving the success that I have.
My decision to run for Parliament is an opportunity to give back to the country that has given me so much and support the communities in Leicester East whose stories are very similar to mine.
With the final week before polling day upon us, our dedicated team in Leicester has been on the ground every day. The vibrant community of Leicester East has responded with incredible enthusiasm and support to our vision of a more just and inclusive society.
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We have engaged with thousands of residents, listening to their concerns and discussing Labour’s plans to address key issues such as the cost-of-living crises, healthcare, education, and housing. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. What, above all, is patently clear is that people are desperate for change both locally and nationally.
Our campaign focuses on the issues that matter to the people who live here. We can’t get a GP appointment, people are waiting years on the NHS waiting lists, our local schools are at a financial breaking point, and people don’t feel safe due to rising crime.
Our campaign is making an impact as we share Labour’s plans with the community. We're proposing 40,000 additional NHS appointments, free breakfast clubs in every primary school, 13,000 new police officers to enhance safety, and industry regulation to reduce car insurance costs. These are tangible solutions to the challenges faced by hardworking families in our city.
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The potential loss of the local Diwali lights is, of course, a real sensitive issue locally. On this I couldn’t be clearer: I will do what it takes to make sure we protect our Diwali festivities. Our festival is famous across the world and the loss of a celebration that means so much to so many across, not only across Leicester East but across the country, is unacceptable.
Ultimately, I am the only candidate who offers the experience, a proven track record, and a chance for change that Leicester East desperately needs, and I will be fighting for every vote ahead of July 4.
*Info: Rajesh Agrawal