I am running for MP of Stoke-on-Trent Central as the war in Gaza has exposed the loyalties of our leaders.

Full statement

The two mainstream parties are indistinguishable in their commitment to wars, austerity, corruption and entitlement to power.

I believe in the sanctity of life, values of justice, equality and dignity. We have been forgotten and left behind here in Stoke-on-Trent Central and deserve a better representative who is sincere and capable. My concerns are crime and drug dealing, education, a decimated town centre partially derelict, the NHS, poor infrastructure and roads. Born and bred in Stoke I am proud to be an integral part of the community.

I have seen real leadership in action in my Grandparents, (Master Muhammad Akram and Khurshid Begum (Beji)), may god have mercy on them. Their humble servant leadership was selfless, principled, compassionate, generous, accountable, transparent and honest.

I have spent the last 15 years as a pharmacist looking after the community in Shelton and Hanley. With your prayers and support we have become a great success story. I am a graduate trainer and encourage children into healthcare roles. I am heavily involved in charities and humanitarian work both locally and internationally. I enjoy coaching cricket as a volunteer.

Nowhere is the link between corruption and cruelty more clear than in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. I join people of conscience who are sensible and fair in calling for an end to the genocide and occupation of the Palestinian people.

The people of Stoke-on-Trent Central have a rare opportunity. A vote for Labour or Conservative is a vote for the status quo and politics as usual that has dominated our lives for the past 14 years.

What we do with our vote can help change our future and our children’s future for the better, we will show that we can build a new kind of political life. Our campaign is focused on community, the answer to our problems will come from us.