In what is believed to be the constituency heading for one of the toughest contests of the May 7 UK polls, Tulip Siddiq of Bangladesh origin is attracting attention of all sections of voters—whites, blacks, Asians.
Published : 19 Apr 2015, 03:51 PM
Mainstream British media is closely following the campaign of Tulip Siddiq, the Labour Party's candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn constituency in London for the May 7 UK polls.
In 2010, this seat was won by Labour's candidate actress Glenda Jackson—the margin of victory a mere 42 votes.
After Jackson retired from politics, Labour decided to field 32-year-old Tulip Siddiq from Hampstead and Kilburn.
Tulip's grandfather was the founding father of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the current Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina is her auntie.
But her grand Bangladeshi family legacy does not guarantee her a position in British politics. Tulip knows that and is working very hard during the campaign, trying to reach out to all sections of voters in Hampstead and Kilburn. Mainstream UK media is closely focussing on this constituency.
The Sunday Times has described Tulip as one of the 'rising stars' of the Labour Party.
Top British celebrities have already campaigned for Tulip.
On Saturday, this correspondent caught up with Tulip Siddiq at Kilburn's High Road, while she was busy distributing party leaflets to voters.
Some voters were also seen approaching the young candidate on their own.
"Education, health and housing are the top priorities of the Labour Party," Tulip told bdnews24.com in a short interview during the campaign.
She said the Labour Party wants economic growth to trickle down to the grassroots and not just benefit the creamy upper layer of society.
Referring to housing problems of lower-income residents of Hampstead and Kilburn constituency, Tulip said that people are often keen to know how her party would address the issue.
She echoed Labour leader Ed Miliband’s promise of building 20 thousand new homes and said her party will create new funds for healthcare if elected.