Hajira Piranie, whose roots are from Gujarat, is campaigning to become a first-time Member of Parliament for the Harborough, Oadby & Wigston constituency in southern Leicestershire.
the Indian-origin Labour Party candidate is leveraging her personal experience of surviving sepsis with the state-funded healthcare service in her campaign for the July 4 general election in Leicestershire, East Midlands.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she discusses her candidacy and priorities for her constituency.
Why did you choose the Labour Party, and how do your priorities align with Labour's values and goals?
I think it all stems from my personal values and upbringing, which emphasise public service, duty, and bearing responsibility towards my community and people. I've always believed in being the voice for those who are voiceless and speaking up against injustice both at home and abroad. This motivation led me to realise that Labour's commitment to equality, providing equal opportunities, breaking down barriers, and ensuring everyone has a fair chance at a good life resonates deeply with me. My father taught me to always speak out against injustice and use my voice effectively. My journey into politics is a natural extension of my values and the alignment I see with the Labour Party’s principles.
You're quite young, and many in your generation aren't typically drawn to politics. What motivated you to pursue this path?
I don't blame our youth for feeling apathetic. Their disillusionment is a consequence of being repeatedly let down by a system that doesn't work for them. We've had 14 years under the Conservatives, and it's been incredibly difficult for young people to develop, progress, and access opportunities—the kind of opportunities that were more available when Labour was in power. For me, politics is the avenue for change. We're starting to realise that the only way to make meaningful changes is for young people to be at the decision-making tables. As a young mother with a three-year-old son, I worry about his future. I don't want him to attend a school where the ceilings are crumbling, where there aren't enough qualified teachers, and where opportunities are scarce. It's not fair that things are this way. The only way to make changes is to be active in politics and to be present at the decision-making tables.
Given the current challenges facing the NHS, how do you plan to help restore the NHS to its former glory, especially within your constituency?
The Labour Party created the NHS, and that’s why we are the only party that can save it. The situation is desperate; people are literally dying on NHS waiting lists. It's incredibly difficult to get a GP appointment; it’s become a national crisis. One constituent shared with me how he tried to get an appointment. He wasn’t mobile enough to visit the GP in person, so he participated in the "8 am scramble" over the phone. He called 92 times in the morning and still couldn't secure an appointment. Then for critical conditions like sepsis, which I have personally survived, timely medical attention is crucial or you could lose your life because sepsis can become critical within hours. The NHS saved my life, which is why saving our NHS is my personal priority. It's the biggest asset we have in our country, and it needs fixing. There are many issues with our NHS, but Labour is committed to addressing them.
There are significant narratives around Islamophobia and antisemitism in the UK, and Labour has been in the spotlight, especially after incidents involving Faiza Shaheen and Diane Abbott. Any comments on that?
My experience with the Labour Party has been warm and welcoming. I never imagined, nor did my family, that a young Indian Muslim girl could be in mainstream politics, standing to represent nearly 80,000 people. The Labour Party has empowered and supported me throughout this journey. My family arrived in this country in 1975, welcomed by a Labour Party that stood against the heightened racism of that time. As someone aspiring to be the voice of my community, the Labour Party has continued to support me. It’s now my responsibility, as a candidate and potential member of Parliament, to ensure I extend that same welcome to others.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for minorities in your constituency, drawing from your own lived experience?
My ambition for my community in Harborough and Oadby & Wigston is to unite us in the midst of division. I want to be the representative for all communities, emphasising visibility and local engagement. This constituency is my home—I was born and raised here—and I want to unite our community. Yesterday, I attended the Harborough Carnival, and it was wonderful to see communities come together to celebrate, with schools collaborating and local government funding the event. However, such unity isn't present everywhere, even within Oadby & Wigston, the other side of the constituency. I aim to be the MP that brings communities together, acting as a voice for everyone, just as the Labour Party has done. I believe in being visible and accessible to all, ensuring that everyone feels represented and included.
You've mentioned that you don't blame the youth for their lack of trust in the politics of the country. How do you plan to support and help the youth in your constituency?
For me, the crucial first step is to invest in our young children, starting with their primary school education. Providing every child with a free breakfast and supporting them with breakfast clubs ensures they start their day right. Additionally, it's essential to ensure schools have the necessary resources, including specialist teachers. Labour has pledged to hire 6,500 more teachers to support our children's education. Investing in education is paramount to securing our children's future. Furthermore, empowering young people to purchase their first home is crucial. Labour's recently announced "Freedom to Buy" policy aims to support young people in this endeavour. By leading with policies that empower and protect young people, we can also address the crisis in dentistry and healthcare.
