Julie Redmond is the Chairman of the Conservative Women’s Organisation for London North. Last year, she stood for Barking in the General Election and for Barnet & Camden in the London Assembly elections.
Standing outside The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, I found myself among a small but passionate crowd gathered in concern for Khaleda Zia, one of Bangladesh’s former Prime Ministers who is seen as a hero. Her critical health condition had brought together members of the Bangladeshi diaspora and leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), all united in shared anxiety for her recovery.
However, as conversations unfolded, it became clear that this gathering was not just about a prominent stateswoman’s health. It reflected deeper frustrations within the Bangladeshi community that spanned beyond Bangladesh’s political climate and into concerns here in the UK, particularly in London.
The focus soon shifted from prayers for Khaleda Zia to the current state of UK politics. What I heard repeatedly was a profound disappointment with Labour representation, especially with Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate. Many present had once voted for Siddiq out of shared heritage and a belief that her family’s ties to Bangladesh would result in meaningful representation for the community. Yet, today, I witnessed firsthand a growing sense of disillusionment:
“Tulip Siddiq is giving us a bad name. We voted for her because her family is from Bangladesh, but not anymore. We will vote Conservative!”
This sentiment was not isolated but echoed by many especially after Tulip’s resignation as Treasury minister. There was a palpable sense that Labour had taken the Bangladeshi vote for granted, relying on historical loyalties while failing to deliver on promises or properly represent community values.
Having stood as a London Assembly candidate in Barnet and Camden and as a Parliamentary candidate in Barking, I have engaged deeply with London’s diverse communities. The Bangladeshi diaspora, in particular, has always impressed me with its entrepreneurial spirit, family values, and desire for fairness in politics, values that align closely with the principles of the Conservative Party. Yet, for years, Labour has monopolised the narrative, presenting themselves as the default choice for minority communities while neglecting the real concerns on the ground.
The meeting outside The London Clinic highlighted an opportunity for the Conservative Party to win back the trust of this important demographic in the upcoming local elections. But to do so, we must be proactive, empathetic, and policy-driven. Here’s how:
Address community concerns directly
The Bangladeshi community is calling for integrity and accountability from their political representatives. Many feel disconnected from Labour’s increasingly elitist approach, where career politicians fail to engage meaningfully with the grassroots. The Conservatives must be seen not just as an alternative but as a party willing to listen. Holding public forums, engaging directly with Bangladeshi businesses, community centres, and faith groups can help bridge this gap. We must demonstrate that their voices matter, not just during elections but consistently throughout the political cycle.
Focus on Economic Empowerment and Small Businesses
The Bangladeshi community has a rich tradition of entrepreneurship, from family run restaurants to retail businesses. However, excessive taxation, burdensome regulations, and limited access to growth capital have stifled these businesses under Labour-controlled councils.
The Conservative Party should champion policies that:
By focusing on economic empowerment, we can show that the Conservative Party stands for prosperity, opportunity, and self-reliance, values deeply embedded in the Bangladeshi community.
Champion family values and cultural respect
Family is central to Bangladeshi culture. The erosion of traditional values under Labour’s progressive policies has left many in the community feeling alienated. The Conservative Party’s emphasis on family, personal responsibility, and community cohesion resonates deeply here.
We should promote:
Strengthen foreign policy ties with Bangladesh
The Bangladeshi diaspora cares deeply about their homeland. The UK’s foreign policy stance on Bangladesh, especially concerning democracy, human rights, and development, influences voting behaviour among the diaspora.
The Conservatives should position themselves as advocates for:
By showing empathy and engagement with the political issues affecting their homeland, we build a bridge of trust with the diaspora.
Conservative representation matters
Representation matters, not as a token gesture but as a genuine reflection of a diverse society. I heard this from many during my time as Parliamentary candidate for Barking, the Conservative Party must actively recruit and support British-Bangladeshi candidates in local elections, ensuring the community feels genuinely represented in decision-making roles. I witnessed firsthand how diverse candidates break down barriers of distrust. This effort needs to be expanded citywide.
Expose Labour’s failures and broken promises
While presenting positive policies is crucial, we must also be honest about Labour’s failures:
The Bangladeshi community, like all Londoners, deserves better. By exposing these issues with fact based campaigns, we can highlight how the Conservative Party offers a better alternative for progress and fairness.
A new partnership with the Bangladeshi community
The conversations outside The London Clinic were a stark reminder that loyalty to Labour is no longer guaranteed among the Bangladeshi community. There is a genuine hunger for representation that aligns with their values—integrity, hard work, family, and fairness.
The Conservative Party must seize this moment not just to win votes but to build a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. By engaging directly, focusing on economic empowerment, and standing for moral leadership, we can offer the positive change the community deserves.
This is not just an opportunity but a responsibility to stand with the Bangladeshi diaspora and deliver the future they have long been promised but never received. Together, with the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh we can turn disillusionment into hope and build a stronger, united country for all.