Shivani Raja, a Tory politician of Indian origin, has created history by winning the Leicester East parliamentary seat in the recently held UK elections. She defeated Rajesh Aggarwal, a former London deputy mayor, securing 14,526 votes to his 10,100. This victory marks a significant turning point in the political landscape of Leicester East, a constituency known for its unwavering support of the Labour Party. It has been 37 years since a Conservative candidate has triumphed in this area.
In a post on X, Raja shared a video of her swearing-in ceremony, expressing her honor in representing Leicester East. She proudly stated that she swore her allegiance to His Majesty King Charles on the Gita. This gesture highlights her commitment to her cultural heritage and the diversity of the constituency she represents.
Raja’s parents migrated to Leicester from Kenya and India in the late 1970s. She completed her education at De Montfort University, graduating with a degree in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science. Following her studies, she gained valuable experience working with prominent cosmetics brands in England.
This election witnessed a significant shift in power within the UK. After 14 years, the nation has experienced a change in government. The Labour Party achieved a resounding victory early Friday, securing 412 out of 650 parliamentary seats. This victory comes at the cost of the Conservative Party, which suffered its largest defeat ever, reduced to only 121 seats.
