Hina Bokhari is the new leader of the Liberal Democrats in the London Assembly. She is the first ethnic minority woman to lead a group at City Hall since its establishment in 2000, and also the first ethnic minority woman to lead a group in any of the UK’s devolved institutions, according to a statement. Bokhari succeeds Caroline Pidgeon, who led the Liberal Democrats in the Assembly from 2010 until her resignation earlier this month.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Bokhari discusses her historic appointment, the representation of diversity, and the workings of the London Assembly.
How do you feel about this historic achievement, and how do you think this will inspire and empower others?
I was actually surprised to learn that I was the first ethnic minority woman in my position. It wasn't my intention to purposefully break barriers or glass ceilings in politics. However, simply by being involved and standing up for what I believe in, I've realised that I've taken on many roles that highlight my role in breaking these barriers. In some ways, it's empowering to see this progress, but it's also disheartening that it has taken so long for someone like me to be recognised. Each time I've stood for election, it seems I've been breaking new ground or becoming the first in some capacity. This pattern raises questions about why there aren't more women, particularly from diverse backgrounds, stepping forward for these positions. Fortunately, the London Assembly itself demonstrates diversity well, thanks to its unique electoral system. Through proportional representation, every vote in London is accounted for, leading to increased diversity among representatives. This system has brought in more women, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ members, showcasing the importance of fair and democratic political processes. Our current political system needs an overhaul to truly reflect the diversity and range of opinions present in a city like London.
As an ethnic minority woman, you're essentially a minority within a minority. How does this factor into your plans for addressing the needs of the diverse communities of London?
I believe it's crucial to represent all communities effectively. As someone from a minority background, I can empathise with other minority groups. For instance, addressing the rise in hate crimes, particularly Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, is a significant priority given the current situation in the Middle East. It's essential to foster unity among diverse faiths and backgrounds, emphasising the equal importance of all minority voices. Additionally, I'm committed to addressing systemic issues within institutions like the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police. As Chair of the Fire Committee, I've been instrumental in highlighting cases of homophobia, racism, and misogyny within the London Fire Brigade, as revealed by the Culture Review. Despite being a minority within a minority, this perspective enables me to understand and amplify the voices of those facing discrimination and advocating for meaningful change based on lived experiences.
Given the rising instances of theft, shoplifting, knife-related crimes, and increasing concerns for women's safety with reports of stalking and harassment, what strategies do you propose to address these challenges, and how do you plan to leverage your position to contribute to solutions?
One of the main focuses of LibDem’s manifesto during the London mayoral campaign was addressing the issues within the Metropolitan Police, which aligns with the concerns you've highlighted. The Casey Review shed light on the lack of prosecutions and unresolved cases involving women who have been victims of sexual violence and other forms of violence. This lack of accountability has eroded trust in the police force, making victims hesitant to come forward. We continue to advocate for improvements in this area, recognising the importance of both increased funding and the mayor's commitment to addressing these issues. Regarding knife crime and other criminal activities, there's a pervasive sense of disillusionment among residents who feel that reporting crimes yields little to no action and it is this sentiment that underscores the urgency of implementing community policing initiatives, particularly in areas affected by youth-related crimes like knife crime, burglaries, and car thefts.
How do you plan to work with other parties and leaders within the London Assembly to achieve your goals for the city?
Actually, in the London Assembly, we collaborate across parties. The role of the London Assembly is to scrutinise the Mayor of London, regardless of party affiliation—be it Labour, Liberal Democrat, or Green. Our committees work together, and every report we produce is a collective effort. Each committee has representatives from all parties, and everyone must sign off on the final report. Our recommendations are thus endorsed by all parties, making us a prime example of cross-party cooperation. Our goal is to hold the Mayor of London accountable and to represent every voice in London. Our tagline, "the voice of London," truly reflects our mission.
There is often a misunderstanding about our role. People tend to think that political bodies are just about arguing, but that’s not the case with the London Assembly, our job is to ensure every voice is heard. Each political party within the Assembly works to amplify the voices of their constituents. While we do engage in debates, these are not mere arguments but efforts to represent diverse perspectives.
The London Assembly has various powers to push for change. During the Mayor’s Question Time, I can bring attention to campaigns, highlight policy gaps, or raise issues brought to me by individuals, groups, or charities. The Mayor, when he has the power, should act on these concerns, and often he does. For instance, we worked on ensuring young people could gain work experience abroad through a scheme similar to Erasmus, which was lost post-Brexit. Initially, Labour opposed our proposal, but later the Mayor included it in his manifesto, showing that good ideas can transcend political lines.
Understanding the collaborative nature of the London Assembly is crucial. There’s a perception of friction between government and opposition, but our structure promotes good governance and cooperation. This is something not widely known, and I believe it's important for people to understand how effectively we work together for the benefit of all Londoners.
