Rishi Madlani/Image:BwB Earth
Madlani, 44, has lived in the constituency for 25 years and is seeking to build his campaign around his local government experience, community work and professional background in climate action and sustainable finance. Starmer represented the constituency from 2015 until his resignation earlier this month. V K Krishna Menon, who served as a Labour councillor in St Pancras, became India’s first High Commissioner to the UK in 1947.
He said he was stepping down to focus on “international affairs”. Labour Indians said Madlani’s candidacy reflected the continuing participation of British Indians in the Labour movement. Madlani said his decision to contest the seat was based on his political priorities and local experience, rather than his heritage alone. “I am standing because I believe I have something to offer this constituency and to the Labour movement,” he said. He said he would campaign for more affordable and social housing, stronger action on climate change and an economy that supports working people. “I know this community, I know what it means to serve residents as a councillor, I understand the pressures facing families, renters, workers and young people,” Madlani said.
The constituency is expected to become a closely watched battleground. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is seeking to contest the seat, while Reform UK has faced criticism over comments concerning another Labour hopeful, former Somali refugee Sagal Abdi-Wali.