Veteran Indian-origin Labour MP Virendra Sharma has announced that he will not be contesting the upcoming general election in the UK on July 4. The 77-year-old representative of the Ealing Southall constituency since 2007 cited his decision to step back from frontline politics to focus on his role as a grandfather.
In a letter to local members, Sharma expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Ealing Southall and voiced confidence in the Labour Party's future under the leadership of Keir Starmer. He emphasized his continued support for the party's goals but stated his intention to step away from parliamentary duties.
Originally from Mandhali village in Punjab's Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sharma immigrated to the UK in 1968 and began his career as a bus conductor before pursuing higher education at the London School of Economics (LSE). He became known as a prominent trade unionist before entering politics.
Sharma's decision to step down marks the end of nearly five decades of service to the Labour Party in various capacities. Despite his retirement from parliamentary duties, he expressed his commitment to continue supporting Labour's campaign efforts.
Throughout his tenure, Sharma has been a vocal advocate for closer relations between India and the UK, serving as chair of the Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and co-chair of the British Hindus APPG.
Reflecting on his career, Sharma acknowledged the support of his wife Nirmala and expressed pride in Labour's achievements under Keir Starmer's leadership, including efforts to combat antisemitism and rebuild the party's standing.
Sharma's decision to step down follows the legacy of another long-serving Indian-origin Labour MP, Piara Singh Khabra. Since Sharma's election in 2007, the Ealing Southall constituency has remained a stronghold for the Labour Party.
