Raj Forhad is originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and has lived a challenging yet rewarding life as a highly skilled legal migrant in the UK. He and his wife, Shahana, have been married for over 12 years and are raising two children.
Raj completed his MSc at the University of Central Lancashire, beginning his journey in the UK with minimal financial resources.
Raj has established himself as an Enterprise Architect Consultant for top-tier banks in the UK and runs several small businesses. He was recognized as an Exceptional Talent by Tech Nation, UK, for his significant contributions to the UK's Digital Sector.
Raj has been active in politics since the age of nine, initially supporting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP in Dhaka. His political activities continued in the UK where he ran as a Councillor Candidate for the Conservatives in Chadwell ward, Redbridge, during the May 2022 local elections.
Raj actively campaigns against the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) regulations and has organized various community-oriented campaigns focused on children's welfare and social issues. He utilizes platforms like Facebook to voice his campaigns and organize funding for social causes.
Raj is standing as a GLA Assembly Member Candidate with Reform UK, aiming to address issues such as safety, social behaviors, and public service efficiency in the Barnet and Camden constituencies. His platform includes proposals to scrap ULEZ, cut crime, build affordable housing, and enhance local business support.
Raj is committed to making London a better place by integrating modern technology solutions into public services and emphasizing the importance of green spaces and education.
Raj Forhad emphasizes his roots in the working-class community and his understanding of their challenges. He pledges to ensure that the voices of Barnet and Camden residents are heard and represented effectively at London City Hall.
Reform UK presents itself as a political alternative to the traditional two-party system in Britain, criticizing both the Conservative and Labour parties for their perceived failures. The party positions itself as a champion of common sense, aiming to address the numerous crises it perceives in British society, from immigration and public spending to healthcare and energy policies.
Reform UK proposes a strict limit on non-essential immigration, arguing that it will alleviate pressure on housing, public services, and wages, and protect British culture and values. The party plans to implement a robust strategy to prevent illegal immigration, including detaining and deporting illegal migrants and ending health tourism and immediate access to benefits for new arrivals.
The economic strategy includes significant tax cuts aimed at boosting the income of the working class and incentivizing small businesses. Key measures include raising the income tax threshold, reducing corporation tax for small and medium-sized enterprises, and abolishing certain business taxes to encourage investment and economic growth.
Reform UK seeks to eliminate NHS waiting lists and proposes tax breaks for healthcare workers to address staff shortages. The party advocates for using private healthcare capacity to alleviate the burden on the NHS, suggesting a voucher system for patients facing long wait times.
A controversial aspect of their platform is the rejection of Net Zero carbon goals, which the party claims are economically damaging. Reform UK intends to revive the domestic oil and gas industries, reduce reliance on renewable energy subsidies, and explore new nuclear technology without the constraints of current environmental regulations.
The party pledges to increase police numbers, implement zero tolerance policies on crime, and expedite the deportation of foreign criminals. It also aims to reform the justice system by mandating life sentences for repeat violent offenders and enhancing the budget for criminal justice.
Reform UK calls for significant constitutional reforms, including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, reforming the House of Lords, and introducing a proportional representation voting system. These changes are aimed at making Britain's political system more democratic and accountable.
Reform UK’s platform is built on a foundation of radical change across multiple sectors of government and society. The party seeks to dismantle what it views as failed policies and replace them with a framework that prioritizes British sovereignty, cultural identity, and economic independence.