Reading in AV/GS about Cllr Jogia’s maiden speech at Conservative Conference in Manchester, youngest British Indian to be granted such privilege, I listened on internet and to my surprise and delight, I found his story similar to those of most East African Asians, most of whom struggled and worked hard to gain foothold, quantum leap on property ladder, although Ameet’s tale is more touching and sincere, having grown up on council estate. No wonder law abiding lustre East African Asians are most successful ethnic minority in Britain!
After failure of business venture, his family became homeless overnight, spending a night in their car in Council carpark, before being allocated temporary B & B accommodation for six months, moving from pillar to post before being offered Council flat that became their home for 26 years, ultimately buying it under “Margaret Thatcher’s Right to Buy” lustre scheme first introduced in 1980s, brave, novel and imaginary scheme, to encourage home ownership, now relaunched by PM Cameron to the delight of Conservative supporters.
No wonder Ameet fondly describes his generation as “Thatcher’s Grandchildren” who should follow in her foot-steps and carry on, even expand on her rich legacy to enable younger generation to climb property ladder.
Ameet, being Lord Popat’s PA, I met him several times, to discuss topics of mutual interest, get acquainted with this young, ambitious, upcoming politician who I feel should be in HOC after 2020 election, as Conservatives encourage such talent.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
