On May 2, elections for the new mayor and 25 members of the London Assembly were held. Elections are held every four years, however, there is an exceptional thing about the 2024 polls? Guessing what?
For the upcoming London Mayor elections, Londoners will have the option to nominate Tarun Ghulati, an Indian-origin candidate.
Polls are open!
Don’t forget to cast your vote for Tarun Ghulati – Independent Candidate, Mayor of London before 10pm tonight.
Let’s bring change together!!
— TarunGhulati (@TarunGhulati) May 2, 2024
Who are Ghulati’s opponents?
Among the 13 individuals competing for the position of mayor, the 63-year-old Indian-origin independent candidate will primarily challenge the incumbent Labour Party mayor, Sadiq Khan, who has already served two terms, and his main challenger, Conservative candidate Susan Hall.
Tarun Ghulati, Independent Candidate for Mayor of London and Dr Ahmad Al Dubayan, Director General, The London Central Mosque Trust, are working closely together to bring harmony between communities. Polls are open, vote for Tarun Ghulati, independent candidate. @iccukorg pic.twitter.com/8odyUWcyie
— TarunGhulati (@TarunGhulati) May 2, 2024
During his campaign, he said, “There is a growing belief that the current incumbent, Sadiq Khan has lost support and another major party contender, Susan Hall is considered very uninspiring by the voters.”
What are Ghulati’s plans as a Mayor?
In an interview with BBC London, Ghulati said “Politicians have blurred the vision of London and Londoners.” So, “getting London moving again is critical”.
He said, “People want someone different to run London and I’m different because I’m not a politician”. He further added that he is a “proud Londoner” and that his tenure will be “all about the people.”
His plans for London are as follows: Security is paramount. He will reopen police stations and tackle crime against all genders, particularly women.
Secondly, he views London as a global financial centre where diverse cultures converge to flourish. So, building community cohesion in London is necessary as he feels that “many communities are isolated and people don’t feel a sense of belonging”.
Additionally, Ghulati aims for London to be more “digitally connected”.
Next, review low-traffic neighbourhoods and remove the speed limit of 20mph. He promises to remove the divisive Khan-enacted ULEZ law, which costs owners of the most environmentally harmful cars £12.50 a day to drive in London.
“As Mayor, I will build London’s balance sheet so that it is a premiere choice for investments, safeguarding safety and prosperity for all its residents,” Ghulati added.
He has said that he is a “proud Hindu” and takes “a lot of pride” in being of Indian origin but considers himself a “man of the world.” His experience as chairman and CEO on various company boards gives him an edge and will help him “bring in” investments, unlike his compatriots, who he says are “playing with people’s sentiments.”
Finally, bringing smiles to the faces of Londoners the place we call home, is the moto.
Who is Tarun Ghulati?
Ghulati, a father of two who has resided in London for 20 years, is a graduate of the University of Jaipur who went on to earn his MBA from Delhi University.
He has lived in countries in the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and the UK and worked in six countries, primarily with Citibank and HSBC. Currently, he is the President and CEO of Squared Watermelon Ltd, a London-based company.
He is the Committee member and former Deputy Chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Asian Business Association.
He is also a part of the Strategic Advisory Committee Member, Global Cyber Alliance with United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status.
The results of the London mayoral contest and London assembly elections are also due on Saturday.
