Virendra Kumar Sharma is a prominent British-Indian Labour Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ealing Southall from 2007 to 2024.
Born on April 5, 1947, in Mandhali, Nawanshahr, in the Punjab Province of British India, Sharma hails from a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family. His journey into politics began after he moved to Hanwell, Ealing, London, in 1968, where he initially worked as a bus conductor on the 207 route. Over the years, Sharma's career evolved, and he became a day services manager for people with learning disabilities in Hillingdon.
Sharma's political path began with the Liberal Party before he switched to the Labour Party, where he played an important role as the Race Equalities Officer. His commitment to public service was reflected in his long tenure as a councillor in the London Borough of Ealing from 1982 to 2010, including a term as Mayor. In 2007, he was elected as MP for Ealing Southall during a by-election, securing 41.5% of the vote and a majority of 5,070. He went on to represent the constituency until his decision to step down in 2024.
In an exclusive interview, he talks about his remarkable journey in public service as well as his experiences, challenges and achievements that defined his career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public service? How do you think your Indian heritage has influenced your political values, decision-making, and overall career?
I believe my upbringing played a significant role in shaping my path, particularly the environment created by my family, my parents, siblings, and extended family. My parents, particularly, played a significant role in shaping my values. My father was involved in public life, and my mother was active in social work, instilling strong moral principles in me. I was inspired by their way of life and their encouragement. The environment I grew up in emphasised that while earning money is important, it should not be the sole focus of one’s life. Financial stability is essential, but chasing wealth should not come at the cost of integrity or purpose.
When I came to this country as an economic migrant and started my working life, those values guided me. At the time, racism was at its peak, and many people were primarily focused on making money by any means necessary. However, I chose a different path. While I acknowledged the importance of financial security, I believed it was equally, if not more, important to earn respect, secure legal rights, and fight against racism and discrimination. This belief led me to join the trade union movement, where I began advocating for the rights of working-class people, including those from South Asian communities. I also became actively involved in the labour movement, focusing on combating social inequalities and creating a fairer society for everyone.
How have you seen Ealing Southall evolve over the years? What would you consider your greatest achievements, both as an MP and as a social worker in the community?
I would approach this question a bit differently. I don’t believe achievements belong to an individual; they are always collective. Success is the result of collaboration, with many people coming together to work toward a common goal. Similarly, failures are also shared rather than the responsibility of a single person. When I became part of the movement, I joined hundreds of others who were fighting for the rights of working-class people. Together, we challenged discriminatory practices, including unjust immigration policies and inequitable employment practices across various sectors. The trade union movement, the labour movement, and social activists who shared a commitment to equality all played a vital role in this struggle.
Through our collective efforts, we achieved significant milestones. In the 1970s, we contributed to landmark legislation such as the Race Relations Act and the Sex Discrimination Act. These were not individual accomplishments but the results of widespread campaigns involving countless people dedicated to justice. Later, we also advocated for protections for older people and legal measures to address and combat discrimination wherever it occurred. These efforts led to profound societal changes. Over time, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds were able to rise to prominent positions—whether elected, appointed, or otherwise recognised for their contributions. I see these outcomes as the achievements of a collective. The credit belongs to everyone who believed in the cause and supported the struggle during those challenging times.
Since stepping down as an MP, what ventures and causes have you been involved in?
It has only been three or four months since I decided to step down from my elected position, but I remain actively involved in the community. I continue to participate in local activities and stay engaged with the Labour Party. I also visit Parliament regularly, where I meet with both new and veteran MPs. I offer my support and share my life experiences. Additionally, I stay active through public speaking and by attending various social and political events, ensuring I remain connected to the causes and issues that matter to me.
As someone who regularly interacts with both young and seasoned politicians, what advice would you offer to those from minority communities who are entering politics or looking to establish themselves in the field?
I believe that public service is one of the most sacred and fulfilling aspects of life. It should not be pursued with the sole aim of attaining a title or an elected position, such as becoming an MP, but rather with a genuine desire to serve and make a positive difference. Public service means contributing meaningfully to the well-being of various groups, whether it’s supporting the elderly, empowering young people, or helping those in need wherever opportunities and resources allow. Leadership roles and influential positions may naturally follow if you are truly dedicated and committed. It’s important to focus on these values and align your efforts with the opportunities that the public and political systems provide. Ultimately, the clear and unwavering goal should always be to serve the public.