Shailesh Lakhman Vara, a prominent Ugandan-British Conservative politician, is seeking to retain his seat as Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Cambridgeshire in the upcoming 2024 UK elections. His political journey spans over two decades, marked by consistent re-election in 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Vara’s commitment to the Conservative Party is evident through his various roles, including Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from July to September 2022, Minister for Northern Ireland, Minister for Justice, Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, and Government Whip. He has also held significant positions in Opposition, serving as Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons. Prior to his Front Bench appointments, Vara contributed to the Select Committee for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Notably, he has introduced two Private Members’ Bills. The first, in 2006, aimed to expand the age range for compulsory breast cancer screening for women from 50-70 to 45-75. The second, in 2007, sought to enhance protection for homeowners defending themselves and their property from intruders. Before entering Parliament, Vara played a crucial role in the Conservative Party, serving as Vice-Chairman from 2001-2005. In 2005-2006, he held positions such as Joint-Vice Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Trafficking of Women and Children, Treasurer of the BBC All Party Parliamentary Group, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee of Conservative Lawyers, and Chairman of the Conservative Parliamentary Friends of India Group. The newly defined North West Cambridgeshire constituency, adjusting to accommodate St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, predominantly comprises agricultural land, with over 85% dedicated to farming. It now encompasses suburban sections of southern Peterborough and rural parts of Huntingdonshire. In this election, Vara faces competition from Labour’s Sam Carling, James Sidlow from Reform UK, Bridget Smith from the Liberal Democrats, and Elliot Tong from the Green Party. Stay tuned for updates on the 2024 UK elections.
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