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Changing Dynamics: Ethnic Minority Politicians in Reform UK

Raj Forhad, a candidate for Reform UK, has faced significant challenges in his political journey, including verbal abuse and even a death threat. Despite these obstacles, he remains committed to his cause, stating, “until people come to their senses, I will stand.” At 43, Forhad, who runs a software business, represents a unique segment of the UK political landscape: individuals of minority ethnic backgrounds aligning with Nigel Farage’s party.

Recent studies indicate that Reform UK has gained a stronger foothold in regions with predominantly white populations. Polling data show that the party garnered 3% support from minority ethnic voters, contrasting sharply with 16% among white voters. Nevertheless, the party has fielded 17 candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds in the 2024 general elections, with insiders believing that winning over traditionally Labour-aligned voters from Black and Asian communities in urban centers will be crucial for their expansion.

The upcoming local elections on May 1 mark a significant opportunity for Reform UK, which also aims to make an impact in the Runcorn parliamentary by-election and mayoral elections on the same date. Some members are already strategizing for the 2026 local elections in London, keen to explore whether they can shift perspectives within minority communities on key issues like education, family values, and economic opportunities.

Neville Watson, the only Black branch chair of Reform UK, emphasizes the party’s dedication to attracting voters who historically supported Labour. He stated, “We’re putting the same effort into bringing over true Labour voters as we did into bringing over Conservatives. London is the acid test.”

Forhad is campaigning in Hainault, an east London ward, where he previously stood for office in Ilford South, facing aggression for his political affiliations but choosing not to report these incidents to law enforcement. He emigrated from Bangladesh in 2010, drawn to the party for its stances on critical issues, particularly immigration. He articulated concerns about the impact of illegal migration on the country, reflecting a sentiment that resonates with his identity as an immigrant.

Watson, who leads the party’s Enfield branch in north London, advocates for “positive immigration” that is well-managed and timed. “It’s about space, not race,” he asserts, highlighting the principles instilled in him by his Windrush Generation parents, which include hard work and aspiration. Touching on social justice, he supports reparations for the historical injustices of slavery, recognizing its enduring effects on racial dynamics in the UK.

Both Watson and Forhad appear undeterred by the challenges they face within the party. Forhad reflects on his personal debt to the UK, stating, “this country has given me everything: my life, my future, my career.” He dismisses claims that Reform UK is inherently racist, asserting that his Islamic faith does not interfere with his political beliefs and that he values inclusivity across community lines.

As Labour continues to dominate in Forhad’s constituency, he believes that addressing local concerns—like potholes and public safety—alongside broader themes of family and community will resonate with voters. Sangha, another Reform activist, shares his perspective on the party’s potential to engage urban voters, asserting that Labour has taken its support among minority communities for granted, evidenced by their significant vote share among ethnic minorities.

Research indicates that 35% of minority ethnic voters born outside the UK supported the Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum, showing a distinct perspective on immigration that differs from that of UK-born minorities. Sangha advocates for open discussions on immigration, emphasizing that many long-standing communities who emigrated during the mid-20th century supported Brexit.

For many people Sangha has encountered while campaigning, the desire is to avoid divisive identity politics. He notes that voters want to focus on their personal lives, jobs, and family, eschewing the politics that they may have previously sought to escape. This sentiment aligns with his belief in national cohesion and the importance of a unifying national identity.

Watson acknowledges the party’s past missteps as lessons for future growth. The misconception that all Black and Asian communities share homogenous political views underestimates the diversity of aspirations and concerns among these groups. He stresses the importance of addressing and evolving from criticisms regarding the party’s historical narratives and statements concerning ethnic minorities.

Ultimately, both Watson and Sangha portray Reform UK not as a party defined by divisive rhetoric but rather as one focused on mutual benefit for all Britons, irrespective of their heritage. They assert that Reform’s approach is about developing policies that effectively serve the entire populace and responding to the varied needs of different communities within the UK.

Source
www.theguardian.com