London's deputy mayor for business, Rajesh Agrawal, has quit City Hall to run as a Labour MP from Leicester East. He shared his vision in a special conversation organised by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. Labour (Co-op) MP for Harrow West and Shadow Minister for International Trade Gareth Thomas, London Assembly Member City and East, Dep Chair London Assembly Police Committee Unmesh Desai, Tokyngton Councillor and Leader of Brent Council Cllr Muhammed Butt were present to support Rajesh Agrawal.
Talking about his priority, Rajesh said, “Supporting businesses is very important because they are the ones that create jobs and wealth. Leicester is a beacon of diversity and it is the most diverse constituency in the whole country. I want to bring all communities together. I am very proud to be the first Hindu Deputy Mayor of London working alongside the first Muslim Mayor of London. That’s how I always work and will bring this to Leicester too, along with the economic success, because 50% of the children are growing up in poverty. That’s unacceptable in the 5th richest country in the world. I want to bring economic success. We can all do it together.
"I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and opportunity. It’s why I’m standing to become the next Labour MP for Leicester East because I believe there’s a Labour way to grow our economy; one that’s pro-worker and pro-employer too.”
He shared his achievements as the Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Chairman of London and Partners and said, “In the last seven years, from the direct initiatives, we have created 330,000 new jobs just in London. That’s equivalent to the entire population of Leicester. To improve the working conditions of the employees, I started good work standards; a charter to achieve higher standards. 255,000 Londoners are now covered by it and getting benefits from it. We started the Mayor’s International Business programme and helped the businesses to take business abroad. During COVID-19 times, I created a group of 25 different business organisations.
Taking in the country's perspective, Rajesh said, “Our NHS is on its knees. Satisfaction is at its lowest level. Education standards have fallen. School buildings are crumbling. Our other public services like policing, funding, youth centres and libraries are facing cuts. This is totally unacceptable. Britain’s stage in the world is diminished today. It has to be reversed and the time has come for a change now. The Labour government can do it but we can all do it as a Nation together. This nation is incomplete without the Asian community's contribution.”
“I am also a tech entrepreneur; so digital technology and new skills are the things I am passionate about. We will focus on the kind of skills the people need to develop and the jobs of tomorrow. We will work for the country that progresses towards a new age, and new economy and make sure that the workforce is ready for it. We also have to prepare our country for changing geopolitics around the world, where the strategic interest of Britain lies and to work accordingly” added Rajesh.
Recalling the long-term relationship with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Rajesh added, “I came to this country 22 years ago. I grew up in poverty in Indore. Until I was 10 years old, we didn’t have a bed, we needed to sleep on the floor. I came here at the age of 24. Never been on a plane or outside of India before I came here. Do you know where I ended up? In North Harrow, just near to this office. Then I eventually set up my business. But I never imagined in my life that I would land up with the Deputy Mayor of the greatest city on Earth. Not once but twice.
"I have known CB for the last 20 years. His charisma is still as inspiring as it was 20 years ago. We met at the Labour Party conference. He offered me a lift and we had a long conversation from Brighton to London. I wrote for Asian Voice for many years. When anybody like me comes from a foreign country there is really a need for people like CB, who care, motivate and nurture you. By means of newspapers, he brings the community together and that’s what I want to do in Leicester. To bring different communities together.”
Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar successfully raising the voice of the community: Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas MP said, “Rajesh has a proven track record. We are really pleased to select Rajesh as the candidate for Leicester East. CB is a brilliant newspaperman. Over the years he has given his whole life to the community. His papers are very well-read. It’s a way of connecting the people who live in different places. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have both been successful in raising the voice of the community.”
CB’s publications are uplifting the community: Unmesh Desai
Unmesh Desai AM said, “Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar play a major role in the upliftment of the community. Rajesh, you are the latest in the long conveyor belt of politicians that CB has nurtured. I have seen the development of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar from the Mid-eighties.
Rajesh has done outstanding work as Deputy Mayor of business, creating 330,000 jobs and bringing investment from so many countries through London and Partners.”
It’s going to be a turning point for the Labour Party: Cllr Butt
Cllr Muhammed Butt said, “I have seen Rajesh’s work and he supported me at the Brent council with the businesses and creation of so many entities and opportunities. One thing I have to say, we don’t have enough of our own communities at the top level. We will see Rajesh bhai elected very soon. It's going to be a turning point for the Labour Party. The Indian community is striving in the business and is successful contributing so much to the success of this country. People like CB started strengthening the community many years ago and due to that strong foundation, we are here.”
Bridge-building to be on top priority: CB Patel
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar CB Patel said, “We want such a member of parliament who could be bridge builders, creators. Not only wealth but cohesion to be on top priority. I genuinely believe that there is nobody better qualified than Rajesh Agrawal. Whatever your religion or political favour, the future government is going to make or break this country. Rajesh can do a wonderful job for the Labour Party and for this country. He will play an important role as a Labour candidate for Leicester East and the politics of this country. What he has done to bring investment to London and the UK, created more than 300,000 small jobs. This is what we want-investment, job creation and new industry.
Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Centre said, “It is great news that Rajesh is selected as a candidate for Leicester East by Labour Party. We had the headquarters of the Confederation of Indian Organisation in Leicester until two years ago. It is the right time for you to be selected as a candidate.
Kiran Patel, Principal, Albury Associates said, “One thing I discovered about Rajesh is that he will ask you a question, he knows what the answer is and he knows what the second question is. I think that’s what makes people different. It doesn't matter what party you represent, it doesn't matter where you come from, If you can run Britain through Parliament, the way you have run your business, we will all be millionaires.”
Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Chairman of London Overseas Centre of Cost Accountants (of India), Director- Heritage Bengal Global said, “I observed many times that we Indians don’t care much about voting. You must create awareness in the people that they should go and vote. There is a very strong connection between Leicester and India. Leicester City Football Club is the sister club of the very popular East Bengal Club.”
ABPL Senior Advertising Manager Kishore Parmar and Business Manager Pooja Raval along with Preya Maniyar welcomed the guests.
A vote of thanks was given by Group Editor Mahesh Liloriya.
