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Hina Bokhari - Greater London
2024 British Local Government Election - London Assembly Member Candidate - May, 2, 2024
Electorate of Greater London - Liberal Democrats - United Kingdom
Who is Hina Bokhari?
Hina Bokhari, born on August 10, 1975, in Enfield, Greater London, is a distinguished British Liberal Democrat politician and a pioneering figure as one of the first Muslim women elected to the London Assembly in May 2021. With a heritage rooted in education and activism, Bokhari is the daughter of Nawazish "Naz" Bokhari, the UK's first British Muslim secondary school headteacher and an influential figure in London's educational landscape.
Her family background, including her father's OBE for services to education and her brother Harris Bokhari's charity work, has deeply influenced her career and political ethos. Before her entry into politics, Bokhari dedicated two decades to teaching in London's most challenging areas, founding two youth-focused charities to extend her impact beyond the classroom.
Her commitment to education and community service led her to join the Liberal Democrats in 2017, quickly rising through the ranks to become a significant voice within the party and her community. Elected as the first Muslim woman councillor for Merton's West Barnes ward in 2018, Bokhari's political journey is marked by her focus on inclusivity, environmental issues, and social justice.
Her election to the London Assembly in 2021, where she has served on various committees, including the Environment, Economy, Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committees, and the Cost of Living Working Group, underscores her commitment to tackling London's pressing challenges. Bokhari's political career is also notable for her candidacy in the 2019 general election for the Sutton and Cheam constituency, where she finished second.
Her campaigns have consistently highlighted issues such as air and water pollution, building safety, and the promotion of sustainable transportation methods like cargo bikes. She has been critical of policies that exacerbate pollution, such as the Silvertown Tunnel and London City Airport expansion, advocating for more robust measures to protect London's air quality and waterways.
Outside of her political and professional life, Bokhari is dedicated to her family, married to Martin Cooper since 2008, with whom she has two children. Her personal interests, such as baking and playing board games with her children, reflect her grounded and relatable approach to life and politics.
Hina Bokhari's re-selection by the Liberal Democrats for the next London Assembly elections, topping the party list, is a testament to her influential role in London politics and her ongoing commitment to representing and advocating for the city's diverse communities.
What are Hina Bokhari's Political Values?
The Liberal Democrats of the United Kingdom are founded on a blend of liberal and social democratic ideologies. They primarily advocate for social liberalism, which supports wealth redistribution while maintaining a critical view of increased state power.
The party emphasizes the intrinsic link between liberty and equality, promoting investments and progressive taxation alongside championing civil liberties and advocating for a less centralized economy. This approach sets them apart from many European liberal parties, which often focus more on classical liberalism.
Political Positioning and Influence:
The Liberal Democrats position themselves across the centre to centre-left spectrum, fluctuating in emphasis over time. Historically seen as centre-left, they were perceived as more centrist during the Cameron–Clegg coalition era.
Economically, they often find themselves between the Conservative and Labour parties, generally leaning closer to Labour. Influential figures like Leonard Hobhouse and Anthony Crosland have notably shaped the party's ideology, particularly in aligning with Crosland's vision of social democracy.
Policies and Reforms:
The party is a strong proponent of constitutional reforms, advocating for a decentralized federal structure within the UK, including significant devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and English regions. They have consistently supported electoral reforms towards more proportional representation and maintain progressive stances on social issues like LGBT rights and drug reforms.
Their internationalist outlook is evidenced by their sustained advocacy for European integration, including support for the UK adopting the euro, while opposing a European army.
Party Dynamics and Internal Diversity:
There is a notable ideological diversity within the Liberal Democrats, with various factions advocating different shades of liberal thought. The majority faction, the Social Liberal Forum, supports extensive social liberal policies.
Other groups like the Liberal Reform and "Orange Bookers" propose more economically liberal policies. The party has also debated but not implemented policies like all-women shortlists, reflecting ongoing discussions about equality and representation methods.
Economic and Social Welfare Policies:
The Liberal Democrats have a history of supporting social welfare spending and economic policies that balance free market operations with social protection mechanisms. They have proposed various reforms over the years, including education investment, opposition to further privatization or nationalization, and tax reforms aimed at supporting lower-income groups while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Foreign Policy and European Union Relations:
The party has taken a strong stance on several international issues, supporting interventions where internationally lawful and advocating for responsible foreign policies regarding arms and conflict. They have been a vocal proponent of the UK's involvement in the European Union, promoting policies that enhance integration while also accommodating Eurosceptic perspectives within the party at times.
