Nepali community gaining political influence in UK

By Karun Aryal,London, July 1; The Nepali community has gradually increased its presence in local politics in the United Kingdom (UK).

Individuals who have made notable contributions to diverse sectors such as education, health, security, hospitality, trade, and business are now actively participating in political affairs.

Currently, one mayor, one deputy mayor, and 10 councillors elected from Nepali origin are serving in different levels of British councils.

Prior to 2010, the representation of individuals of Nepali origin was quite low in the local politics of the United Kingdom.

However, since 2009, following the provision of housing facilities to the families of British Gurkha, more people of Nepali origin have entered politics in the UK. 

Lakshya Bahadur Gurung, a former British Gurkha and councillor for the Borough of Barnet, said the elected Nepali representatives bring the voice of the community within the council chamber.

Gurung, who also served as the deputy mayor in the same borough in 2018, has actively pursued initiatives that benefit the Nepali community. 

These include the establishment of a cemetery dedicated to Nepali people in the region and partnerships with schools in Nepal. He was elected from the ruling Conservative Party,

It appears that individuals from more affluent backgrounds in the Nepali community are showing greater involvement in politics. 

Nina Gurung, recently elected Mayor of Medway Borough Council, has become the first Nepali woman to hold the position. She said that her active participation in politics began during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Gurung has established herself as a social activist working toward education, equality, and social welfare. 

Her election as a mayor became easier as the Labour Party won 33 seats in her borough, which had been under the control of the Conservative Party for 28 years.

Jeet Ranabhat has been elected as the Deputy Mayor in the internal elections of the party after winning the position of councillor in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. 

He is also the president of the Nepali Society in the same borough. 

He has been actively involved in social work and was recognised as a 'Lockdown Hero' by Greenwich and Bexley Borough for his significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ranabhat acknowledges both opportunities and challenges in working for the community.

However, despite the increasing popularity of Nepalis at the local level, none have succeeded to make to the British Parliament so far. 

Dr. Bachchu Kailash Kaini, who contested in the Dartford region from the Labour Party in the 2017 parliamentary elections only came closest to victory. No other of Nepali origin has dared to contest the parliamentary elections in the UK. 

Dr. Kaini, who was elected as a councillor in 2013 from the same region, believes that electing Nepalis at the local level is just the beginning and serves as an entry point for the younger generation to embark on a parliamentary journey. 

He exudes confidence in the potential of Nepali individuals to become members of the parliament if they win the trust of a political party through their unwavering dedication.

"There is a kind of voice that represents the community from the council level. Now we have to reach the parliament to strengthen that voice," he added. 

He is currently preparing to contest the upcoming parliamentary election. 

Several leaders of Nepali origin have been elected as councillors from different boroughs and councils across the UK, representing a diverse range of political parties. 

They include Bishnu Bahadur Gurung from the Labour Party in the Borough of Hounslow, Dr. Jagannath Sharma from the Conservative Party in Colburn Town Council, and Kamal Bahadur Gurung, a former British Gurkha, from the Labour Party in the Barnett Borough Council. 

Other elected councillors include Jeev Belbase and Dhan Bahadur Sarki, and Neem Thapa from the Conservative Party in the Rasmoor Borough Council. 

Similarly, Dinesh Khadka has been elected to the Maidstone Borough Council from the Liberal Democratic Party. Priti Limbu of the Conservative Party has secured a position in a Town Council. 

Likewise, Govardhan Silwal affiliated with the Conservative Party, has been elected to the Dakoram Borough Council, Rojina Pradhan Rai of Conservative Party has been elected to the Innsworth Parish Council. 

Nepalis living in Britain show a greater inclination towards the two major political parties, the Conservative and Labour parties. 

In Britain, the local level consists of various levels, including county, district, borough, city, town, and most importantly, parish councils, in which directly elected officials can exercise executive powers. 

The places like Rossmoor, Green Beach, Kent, and Reading Borough, as well as the regions of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, have a significant Nepali population.