By Romail Gulzar
After 18 months in politics, Leicester East MP Shivani Raja says the experience has been a big learning curve, both professionally and personally.
“I’m just trying to do my best every day and taking each day as it comes,” she tells Pukaar.
Engaging with people in Leicester East comes naturally to her. She grew up in the area and was already a part the community before becoming an MP; shopping locally, visiting local places of worship and working closely with local businesses.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
One of the biggest challenges the MP has faced is tackling disengagement from politics within her constituency. Many people in Leicester East felt unheard for years she says, as the city had been run by the same political leadership for decades. “There was no real opposition, so people felt their voices didn’t matter.”
Shivani believes that has now changed. She says Leicester East finally has someone who can speak up for residents, challenge the council when needed and raise concerns in Parliament. In just 18 months, she and her team have helped more than 8,000 constituents with issues such as housing, immigration and business rates. “That’s something I’m really proud of,” she shares.
“Standing in Parliament matters, but helping people every day is what really makes me happy. I’m proud of the number of people we’ve been able to help and I really want to keep it that way.”
Housing is one of the most common issues that Shivani and her team deal with. She notes regular instances of seeing families of four living in one-bedroom flats and works with the local council to help families move into more suitable homes. “You can’t imagine someone living in those conditions,” she says. “Helping families like these is where I feel I can really make a difference.”
Healthcare is another key concern. The MP works with leaders at University Hospitals of Leicester to improve services. She also believes people need more information about other healthcare options, not just GPs. “There are now many other ways to get help, including for mental health,” she says. “If people know this, it can reduce pressure on GP surgeries.”
She notes that local businesses are really struggling, especially small and hospitality businesses. While she praises business owners for their hard work and willingness to take risks, many feel unsupported. “Almost every business I speak to says things are really tough,” she explains.
“The government could help by reducing business rates, reversing National Insurance increases and making it easier for businesses to hire staff. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they deserve real support.”
As a first-time mum, Raja is balancing politics with family life. She often takes her baby with her when meeting communities and says she enjoys being present in Leicester while on maternity leave.
“Right now, I don’t have to travel to London so much and I’m just loving every single minute that I get to spend here in the constituency,” she says.
“Leicester is my home and there’s no place like home.
“Being a first time mum is quite demanding, so at the moment I am juggling a lot right now, but I think I knew that going into politics,” she adds.
“I always knew it’s not going to be a nine to five job and I always knew that I’m not going to be able to have weekends to myself again which is why it’s really important that I enjoy what I do. To me going out to meet communities on a weekend – it really does bring me joy.”
Shivani strongly believes more women should enter politics. While there are more female MPs than ever before, she says women bring important perspectives. “The more women we have in politics, the better our laws and decisions will reflect real life,” she says.
Looking ahead to the next 18 months, she says she remains focused on supporting her community and giving Leicester East a strong voice in Parliament.
“I’ll continue standing up for my constituents in Leicester and trying to give my best to the communities that essentially raised me.”
