Virendra Sharma, former MP for Ealing, has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Ealing in recognition of his decades of public service to the community.
Having served both as a councillor and as a Member of Parliament, Sharma has been a prominent figure in local and national politics, representing Ealing for many years and playing a long-standing role in public life.
In an interview with Asian Voice, he reflects on receiving the honour, the transformation of British society and politics over more than five decades of service, the changing opportunities for minority communities in the UK and the looming local elections.
How does it feel to receive this award and what does it mean to you?
I feel honoured and privileged that my service to the community, to political processes, and to society as a whole has been recognised by the authorities. From a local government perspective, this is the most prestigious award, and receiving it is both an honour and a privilege for me.
What is your reflection of how British society and politics have changed for the community over the years?
I have spent around 55 years in continuous public service. That journey, along with the work of many others, has helped bring significant change—there has been a collective movement of people behind this progress like more people from our communities entering professions such as medicine, more successful businesses being established, and greater economic independence, including the ability to run our own shops and make our own choices as consumers.
Policies at both local and national level have also evolved to better reflect community needs. While I have mixed views on how much central government policy has changed, there is no doubt that representation and recognition have improved. Today, it is common to see Prime Ministers hosting Diwali, Eid and Baisakhi celebrations at 10 Downing Street, and communities being invited to events at Parliament and the Speaker’s residence.
That, to me, reflects the scale of change I have witnessed, and the contribution that many of us have made to help bring it about.
With the council elections underway, what skills and qualities do you think those contesting for councillors need?
I welcome the fact that a large number of people from broader minority ethnic backgrounds are now participating in politics.
On 7 May, we will see candidates elected from across the political spectrum; whether Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, the Green Party, or independents. From my long experience in politics, I sometimes question the motivations of some individuals entering the system. Are they doing so out of a genuine desire to serve and bring positive change, or are they driven more by prestige and social status?
That distinction is important, because being a councillor is not about status; it comes with serious responsibilities. Candidates need to understand the role of local government, the services they are expected to deliver, and whether they are truly capable of meeting the needs of their communities and fully understand the lived experiences and historical context of the communities they seek to represent.
Ultimately, some candidates may be elected simply because of the political mood or circumstances, and only then realise the demands of the role. Being a councillor is not a part-time or symbolic position; it is a community role that requires commitment, resilience, and the ability to respond to constant pressure and expectations.
Do you think the protection of community spaces and tackling hate-related incidents should be a major issue in local election campaigns, and how should councillors address it?
I think the safety of communities is a very important issue. In a democratic system, I believe the responsibility of elected representatives and institutions is to ensure the safety and protection of all communities against hostility and discrimination. That responsibility must be broad and inclusive. It should not focus on one particular faith or group, but on all communities equally.
The danger arises when political discourse becomes too narrowly focused. For example, if a representative only speaks about the protection of Hindu temples, that can be problematic in a democracy. The focus should instead be on the safety of all places of worship and all faith communities.
Equally, if elected representatives claim to speak only for one community while ignoring others, that is also a concern. In my view, politicians should be elected based on their ideology, principles and policies, not their faith or identity.
What continues to motivate you today, and how would you describe your legacy?
Public service is almost in my DNA, and I want that commitment to continue. I often say I am retired from Parliament, but not tired of the community. I am still active and will continue to contribute for as long as my health, both physical and mental, allows me to do so.
As for legacy, I see it simply as service: service to Ealing, service to the wider community, and service to people across the country. I have never limited my work to one area, as I have travelled widely, supported campaigns, and participated in political work at a national level.
