UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Rishi Sunak’s decision to call snap elections on May 23 caught political observers off guard, setting the stage for a critical vote on July 4. Amidst the forthcoming UK elections, Sunak and the Conservative Party are at the center of focus as they strive to maintain power against the resurgent Labour Party. Additionally, attention is also focused on the Indian-origin Members of Parliament awaiting reelection to the UK’s House of Commons. Accordingly, in 2019, a landmark election saw 15 Indian-origin politicians joining the lower house, a record achievement largely attributed to the Conservative Party’s success. Let’s take a closer look at some of these Indian-origin MPs currently serving in the UK Parliament.
Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak, who became Prime Minister in October 2022, has represented Richmond (Yorks) since 2015. He is the son-in-law of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.
Priti Patel
Priti Patel, a Conservative Party member, served as Home Secretary from 2019 to 2022 as well as MP for Witham since 2010. She is of Gujarati origin.
Alok Sharma
Alok Sharma, native of Agra, India, has been a Conservative MP for Reading West since 2010. He has been active in various governmental roles.
Gagan Mohindra
Gagan Mohindra, a Punjabi Hindu, is a Conservative Party member who served as MP for South West Hertfordshire until Parliament was dissolved on May 30.
Claire Coutinho
Claire Coutinho, a Goan Christian descent, is a Conservative MP for East Surrey. She currently holds the position of Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Navendu Mishra
Navendu Mishra, a Labour Party MP for Stockport since 2019, hails from a family with roots in Gorakhpur and Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Munira Wilson
Munira Wilson, a member of the Liberal Democrats, has represented Twickenham since 2019 and serves as the party’s spokesperson for Education.
Virendra Sharma
Virendra Sharma, a veteran MP known for his advocacy of closer India-UK relations, has represented Ealing Southall since 2019, but has decided not to seek reelection.
Shailesh Vara
Shailesh Vara, born in Uganda to Gujarati parents, is a Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire since 2019. He briefly served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Suella Braverman
Suella Braverman, a Conservative MP for Fareham since 2019, has served twice as Home Secretary. She is of Indian descent.
Seema Malhotra
Seema Malhotra, an Indian-origin Labour MP, has represented Feltham and Heston since 2011 and serves as the Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education.
Lisa Nandy
Lisa Nandy, daughter of Kolkata-born academic Dipak Nandy, has been a Labour MP for Wigan since 2010, advocating for issues related to race relations.
Preet Kaur Gill
Preet Kaur Gill, the first British Sikh female MP, represents Birmingham Edgbaston for the Labour Party since 2019. She is currently the Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Public Health.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the first turbaned Sikh MP, is a Labour Party member who won from Slough in 2019. He defeated Indian-origin rival Kanwal Toor Gill.
Valerie Vaz
Valerie Vaz, a Labour MP for Walsall South since 2010, is known for her political contributions and is the sister of former MP Keith Vaz.
These Indian-origin MPs represent diverse backgrounds and constituencies across the UK, contributing significantly to British politics and society.
