General Election 2024 day is finally here and candidates up and down the country will be hoping they have done enough to swing enough votes in their favour.
Abbas Merali is among around 100 British Indians contesting in this election and here the Conservative Party hopeful from Harrow West speaks to iGlobal about his top priorities if elected this week, his vision for his London constituency and how his Gujarati heritage inspires him on his mission.
What are your top priorities for the election campaign?
What are the concerns highlighted by the electorate of your region?
The biggest concern is rising crime, especially violent crime. Add to that, the general deterioration of harrow, fly-tipping and litter, lack of access to GPs, London Mayor's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and high rise developments without the supporting infrastructure.
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Is your party fully aligned with British Indian aspirations?
Absolutely. Values of Conservatism are absolutely aligned with British Indian values. Family values, value of hard work and education, compassion for community, personal responsibility, promoting enterprise and strong public law and order are all shared values of the Conservative Party and the British Indian diaspora. My life story as a British Indian typifies this as does that of our Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak’s.
What is your motivation behind contesting as an MP?
When I arrived in this country from Mombasa, Kenya at the age of 14. Going to school in Harrow, this country gave me all the opportunities to educate myself, build a career in the city, raise a family and make success of my business and serve the community. I have a deep desire to give back to the people of Harrow who welcomed me but also shape the future of this country in a fast paced changing times.
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How does your Indian heritage inspire you?
I am an Indian Gujarati. My ancestors are from Khambaliya in Gujarat. I was born and raised in Kenya and have been in the UK since the age of 14. I pride myself in speaking six languages commonly spoken in Harrow; Gujarati, Kutchi, Hindi, Urdu, Swahili and English.
I am proud not to be a career politician. We need more people with real life corporate, entrepreneurial, community experience in Parliament. After 27 years of the same complacent Labour MP in Harrow West, it is time for a dynamic change to restore pride back into Harrow. I will work with the Conservative run Harrow Council to deliver for local residents, communities and businesses and will hold the London Mayor to account.
*Info: Abbas Merali