THE Conservative party has selected a Gujarat-born woman as its candidate for the Barking constituency for general elections in the UK next month.
Indian-origin Tamkeen Shaikh was born and raised in the country’s western city of Ahmedabad.
Shaikh said in a tweet:"Delighted to be selected as the Conservative Party Candidate for Barking. Hard work begins now! #BlueBarking”.
The new Tory candidate studied and worked as a journalist in the south Asian country before reaching the UK 14 years ago.
Shaikh has been working in the education sector and has two children.
The Indian-origin candidate said her party aims to create opportunities for business and innovation.
Commenting on her priorities as a candidate, she said that, if elected, her priority is to draw more investments into schools, social enterprises, youth engagement, building family homes and care for the elderly.
"I want to see a thriving high street that will benefit social enterprises and small businesses, providing jobs for residents. I am your local candidate representing the local people of Barking, and I will get Brexit done," the pro-Brexiteer promised.
The Indian community has integrated well within the country and are making significant progress in all sectors, she pointed out.
Damian Talbot
Nirmala Sitharaman speaks at the India-UK Investor Roundtable in London last Wednesday (9). On the panel were India’s department of economic affairs secretary Ajay Seth and Kotak Mahindra Bank founder Uday Kotak
Sitharaman with Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves
Sitharaman with Jonathan Reynolds 
Sitharaman with Reynolds, Alastair King, India’s high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and other delegates