At 25 years old, Conservative Councillor Binita is the youngest in the country to be voted Leader of her Council Group in her hometown of Watford. She is also known for her outspoken yet sharp opinions, having been published in such papers as ‘The Spectator’ and ‘The Times’, and appearing on segments for such well-respected broadcasting channels as CNN, Sky News and BBC Newsnight. As we found out more about her motivations, including the expansion of BAME representation in the community, and spreading the message that “young people should be able to aspire to do whatever they want, especially when they are willing to work so hard for it”, it became clear why Binita’s professional credibility goes beyond just her record age. Sincere in spirit, she is truly connected to the politics of everyday; never forgetting all the little facets that make a difference, in the fight for a bigger change:
What have been some of your projects as Leader of the Watford Conservative Council Group?
With another election coming up in May, campaigning is the main activity. For the general election just gone, I worked on an app, a cross between Whatsapp and Siri, designed to get more young people involved in politics and to get them to vote. It was called ‘Ask Amy’, part of a cross-party initiative where the aim was to get the general public some straight-talking, commonsensical answers.
Your piece in The Telegraph about why BAME communities are turning to a Conservative government was a passionate avowal to the party--if you could sum up why you believe in it so strongly in a few sentences now, what might you say?
The values of the Conservative party coincide very well with my cultural and family ethos. I studied politics at A level and I found a natural affinity to the subject with the interest materialising organically. The focus on high quality education, a message of aspiration and ensuring that people can achieve their full potential sits well with both Conservatism and my family values. Hard work is also an ethic that overlaps culturally: my dad was a refugee who came to Britain in 1972 and my Ba worked several jobs for decades to make sure the family were catered for and comfortable.
Would you say it resonates with traditional family values?
No, not necessarily traditional, just the idea of allowing families to have that base to be a strong unit in society.
Were you always interested in politics?
It came later in a more solid sense, but my parents were always very engaged and we have always debated over the dinner table! My dad was a supporter of the Labour Party. He grew up in Glasgow and was a socialist. One of my earliest memories was the 1997 election with my mum telling me - ‘Tony Blair has won!’ My Dada was actually involved with Ghandi in the fight for independence –and my Nana studied politics in India, so it’s always been there in a formative sense.
Do you think part of the reason you wanted to be a councillor was having that immediate agency to make a difference in the community?
Absolutely, Seva is an integral part of community life. At the Watford Indian Association Divali Party recently, I was asked to make a speech and I reiterated how important it is to contribute to the wider community, not just socially but politically.
Yes, tell us more about your job as a councillor?
I want to improve my town of Watford and my elected position allows me to be more involved in the decision making – I sit on the Major Projects Board at Watford Council amongst other committees. I was born and bred in Cassiobury, the area I represent, and the local park – which is where my fiancé proposed to me recently! - is currently being restored as a beautiful space worthy of investment. As a young person, I bring a different perspective to the "traditional" mature male Councillor.
Do you have a central hope for your district?
I am currently the only Hindu on the council, and I want to improve representation for my town. Watford itself is a quarter BAME and I think it’s only fair. We all pay our taxes so why shouldn’t we be socially visible? Indeed, there is no focal point for the community in Watford, and it is important to have this.
Is there an area of government that you are particularly interested in right now?
Education really interests me. I am personally not an advocate of the idea that university is the only path to success. I’m really proud of the Conservative mission to have many more apprenticeships supporting a range of different careers, which allows individuals of all abilities to find their optimal skill set. I am not in an entirely conventional full-time job myself: I chose to become a corporate communications consultant as opposed to say the more traditional path of becoming a doctor or a lawyer. I studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Warwick University and still get invited back to promote non-traditional career paths and politics.
Finally, what would be a personal motto that keeps you going?
My mum and dad have always said ‘do the right thing’. Also, don’t let anything stop you from doing what you want. I am a young, Asian woman but I would never consider this a barrier – don’t focus on obstacles and instead see it as a challenge to overcome.
