London's Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, born in Indore, has been selected as Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate in Leicester East by defeating another Indian-origin candidate Cllr Rishi Madlani in the local parliamentary contest.
Announcing his selection on social media, Agrawal expressed honour and the desire to reset Leicester East with a focus on delivering for all residents. Endorsed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, he plans to continue championing ideals from his role as Deputy Mayor for Business, aiming to replicate successes in Leicester East.
“I’m honoured to be selected as the Labour Party’s Parliamentary candidate for Leicester East,” Agrawal posted on X. “It’s time to use this auspicious moment to reset Leicester East, with a Labour MP who’ll deliver for everyone who lives here. let’s get Britain’s future back,” he said.
“As London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, I’ve flown the British flag and championed our ideals around the world, attracting hundreds of millions in international investment, creating hundreds of thousands more jobs and giving over 255,000 people better employment conditions. I’ll bring similar successes to Leicester East and make sure it gets its fair share,” reads his mission statement. He reflects on his migrant journey 22 years ago when he arrived in the UK from India with little in his pocket and went on to set up a successful fintech business.
“As a fintech entrepreneur, I built a team that challenged the status quo by lowering the cost of moving money for migrant workers and businesses alike. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and opportunity. It’s why I’m standing to become your 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,” Agrawal said.
Agrawal, 46, vows to represent the diverse constituency as a member of Parliament for all residents of a constituency that represents one of the largest South Asian origin populations in the UK. He emphasised his commitment to economic growth and social issues.
Reflecting on his migrant journey, Agrawal, who arrived in the UK 22 years ago, highlighted his entrepreneurial success in fintech. He aspires to bring a "Labour way" of economic growth that supports both workers and employers. Priorities include championing Leicester's economy, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and promoting affordable housing.
While acknowledging the challenges of his predecessors, such as Keith Vaz and Claudia Webbe, Agrawal remains determined to navigate the political landscape and serve the constituents effectively. The next general election is anticipated in 2024.
Agrawal has been an ardent supporter in the community in championing Leicester’s economy, helping residents with the cost-of-living crisis and creating affordable homes among his top priorities. Before starting his Deputy Mayoral role, he was a key contributor, and columnist in Asian Voice and his business regularly supported ABPL group’s various initiatives and campaigns.
