Ankita Sharma, hails from New Zealand, and in the recent years, has transitioned seamlessly from her political engagement in New Zealand to the UK political scene. Moving to the UK in June 2022, Ankita swiftly entered the political arena and secured a seat as a councillor on the Tandridge District Council during the local elections.
Beginning her political journey in New Zealand, Ankita actively participated in various women's rights organisations and advocated for improved public infrastructure, including amenities like Wi-Fi and mobile charging stations on public transport, through petitions to the New Zealand Parliament.
Here, she discusses her transition to UK politics, the journey it was and the future plans for her constituency and career as a politician.
What personal values and experiences drive your commitment to public service? How do you balance your responsibilities as a councillor with your personal life?
My commitment to public service is driven by a deep-seated belief in equity, justice, and community empowerment. Spending half of my life in New Zealand, I was actively involved in various women's rights organisations, which instilled in me the importance of advocacy and fighting for marginalised voices. My work with BPW Women, UN Women, and the Zonta Club of Auckland highlighted the power of collective action and the necessity of public service in creating tangible change. Balancing my responsibilities as a councillor with my personal life requires meticulous time management and a supportive network. I prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring that I allocate time for both my public duties and personal well-being. Maintaining open communication with my family and friends also helps me navigate the demands of my role while preserving my personal life.
Can you share your experiences as a politician in New Zealand and how is the political environment different in the UK, in comparison?
In New Zealand, my political journey was heavily focused on advocacy and grassroots movements, particularly within women's rights organisations. Petitioning the New Zealand Parliament for public infrastructure improvements was a significant experience that taught me the intricacies of policy-making and the importance of community engagement. The political environment in the UK presents different challenges and opportunities. The UK’s political landscape is more diverse and complex, with a richer historical context and a larger population. Navigating this environment required me to quickly adapt to new political dynamics and build a local network. Despite the differences, the core principles of serving the community and advocating for constituents remain the same. The UK's structured political frameworks have also provided me with new tools and platforms to drive change effectively.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first entered UK politics and how did you manage to quickly establish yourself and win a seat as a councillor in the Tandridge District Council?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was building credibility and a support network in a new country. Being relatively unknown in the UK political scene required me to work diligently to gain the trust of the local community. I immersed myself in local issues, attended community meetings, and engaged with residents to understand their concerns. Another challenge was understanding the nuances of the UK’s political system, which differs significantly from New Zealand’s. I invested time in learning the legislative processes and the structure of local governance. My background in New Zealand politics equipped me with valuable skills in advocacy and community engagement, which I leveraged to address local issues effectively. Winning a seat as a councillor in the Tandridge District Council was a culmination of persistent community engagement, canvassing, leaf-letting, understanding constituent needs, and presenting practical solutions.
As the councillor in Tandridge District, what are your primary goals and priorities? How are you planning to leverage your background and experience from New Zealand to benefit your constituents in the UK?
As a councillor in Tandridge District, my primary goals include improving public infrastructure, enhancing community services, and fostering a more inclusive and engaged community. I sit on the licensing, housing, Strategy and Resources committees as well as the Climate Change Working group. I am committed to addressing issues such as housing, transportation, and local economic development. My experience in advocating for public amenities in New Zealand, like Wi-Fi and mobile charging stations on public transport, provides a strong foundation for pushing similar initiatives in Tandridge. I plan to leverage my background in community engagement by actively involving residents in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Additionally, my experience with women’s rights organisations equips me to champion equality and inclusivity within the community. By drawing on my diverse experiences, I aim to implement innovative solutions and foster a collaborative environment for the betterment of Tandridge.
What are your long-term goals in your political career?
In the long term, I aspire to continue making significant contributions to public service by addressing systemic issues and advocating for human rights, economic development on a more national level. My immediate goal is to serve effectively as a councillor in Tandridge, ensuring that the community’s needs are met and their quality of life is improved. Beyond my current role, I envision taking on more significant responsibilities at the national level, where I can influence broader policy changes and promote social justice on a larger scale. I am particularly passionate about issues related to women's rights, public infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. By building on my current achievements and continuously engaging with the community, I aim to create lasting positive impact and inspire others to contribute to public service. Ultimately, my goal is to be a catalyst for change, promoting fairness, inclusivity, and prosperity for all.
