A STATESMAN OF THE PEOPLE
A statesman of the people
Asian Affairs celebrates the remarkable and exemplary life of former MP for Ealing Virendra Sharma, who devoted over 50 years to public service as a champion of social justice
Virendra Sharma is a towering figure in British public life – an embodiment of integrity, community-driven leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice. From humble beginnings as an immigrant bus conductor in West London to serving five consecutive terms as a Member of Parliament, Sharma’s journey is one of the most remarkable stories of post-war British politics. For over five decades, he has stood as a relentless advocate for equality, human rights, and the advancement of the South Asian community in Britain, while championing deeper India-UK relations on the global stage.
From Hanwell to Westminster: A remarkable journey
Born in Village Mandhali, Punjab, India, into a humble but principled family, Virendra Sharma grew up with strong values of service and equality instilled in him by his parents. His father, the late Dr Lekh Raj Sharma, was a respected political figure in Punjab known for his commitment to social justice and political reform. That early exposure to civic duty laid the foundation for a life devoted to public service. His mother’s quiet strength and resilience served as a moral compass that grounded his worldview.
In 1968, Virendra migrated to the UK and settled in Hanwell, West London. Like many of his generation, he arrived with modest means and big dreams. He began his working life as a bus conductor on the 207 bus route, serving the same communities that he would one day represent in Parliament. But even then, Virendra’s ambitions were never just economic – he was driven by a deep calling to contribute meaningfully to society. ‘I had a clear goal in mind: public service was my calling,’ he recalls.
A voice for the voiceless
Virendra’s early years in Britain were marked by social and political awakening. He witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by migrant communities – racism, economic inequalityand systemic injustice. These experiences motivated him to join trade unions, the Indian Workers’ Association UK, Ealing Community Relations Council and eventually the Labour Party. His commitment was clear: ‘I became interested in making Britain an equal and fair place for everyone.’
In 1982, Virendra was elected as a councillor in the London Borough of Ealing, launching a political career that would span more than four decades. He quickly gained a reputation as a grounded and tireless public servant. Over 25 years in local government, he served in a range of influential roles, including Mayor of Ealing in 1994, Chair of Housing, Chair of Personnel, and Chair of the Race Equality Committee. His leadership reflected the growing voice of Britain’s multicultural communities, and he brought policy attention to issues such as housing, race equity, and economic opportunity.
Parliamentarian and statesman
In 2007, Virendra was selected as the Labour candidate for the Ealing Southall by-election, following the death of Piara Khabra MP. Despite fierce competition and national-level campaigning from political opponents, he emerged victorious and would go on to represent his constituency in five consecutive general elections, serving until 2024.
In Parliament, he earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most accessible and responsive MPs, regularly ranked among the top 10 for constituent service. He served on the Health Select Committee, the Joint Committee on Human Rights and the International Development Committee. He also held the position of Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Home Office and was elected to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where he focused on human rights and anti-discrimination work.
He chaired or held senior roles in numerous All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), including the Indo-British APPG, Global TB APPG, Nepal APPG, and Honour-Based Abuse APPG, and was Vice-Chair of APPGs for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the British Council (South Asia). He was also a champion of the rights of Tamil communities globally and a consistent advocate for vulnerable groups in the UK and beyond.
Sharma was driven by a deep calling to contribute meaningfully to society
Leadership with principle
Unlike many contemporaries, Virendra’s career remained unblemished by scandal. During the 2009 parliamentary expenses crisis, his principled actions stood out. He was one of very few MPs who didn’t claim what he was technically entitled to, refusing to claim more than he felt was just. The Telegraph newspaper honoured him as one of Britain’s ‘50 Saints’ – a rare recognition of moral leadership in political life.
Never one to let religion or ethnicity dominate his politics, Virendraonce stated: ‘I am not seen as a Hindu, but a Labour MP who happens to come from the Hindu faith.’ His politics were always rooted in secularism, equality and inclusion – principles that guided him in representing an increasingly diverse constituency.
Family-driven life
Behind every chapter of Virendra’s remarkable journey stands the steady, loving presence of his family. He is deeply grateful for the lifelong support of his wife, Nirmala, whose strength, patience and encouragement provided the foundation upon which his public service was built. Through long campaigns, late-night debatesand constant community work, Nirmala remained his unwavering anchor.
Their children, Sanjeev and Monica, have not only been a source of immense personal pride but also active supporters of his work, offering insight, inspiration and encouragement through every phase of his career. His grandchildren – Aatish, Riah, and Jaiden – have brought joy, perspective and renewed purpose to his life, reminding him of the future generations his work is meant to serve.
His legacy is one of inspiration for anyone who believes that politics can still be a force for good
Virendra often reflects that without the sacrifices and patience of his family, none of his public achievements would have been possible. Their belief in his vision, their resilience through the demands of public life and their emotional strength in the face of political pressure have been central to his journey. ‘I may have served the public, but my family has served with me,’ he often says.
A lasting legacy
Over the years, Virendra’s extraordinary contributions have been recognised through a host of national and international accolades, including the Bharat Gaurav Award, Hind Rattan Award, Pride of Punjab Award, Parvasi Sansar Award, and the India UK Achievers Honours. These awards honour a life not just of service, but of principle, courage and enduring relevance.
He also remains a respected community elder and mentor, serving as President of the Indian Workers’ Association UK, Patron of the Labour Asian Society, and Patron of NISAU UK, where he continues to champion young people, diaspora identity and the cause of inclusive leadership. Recently, Virendra returned from a month-long tour of India with NISAU, where he championed a large delegation of 50+ UK universities and educators to promote bilateral student mobility and institutional partnerships
Even after stepping down from Parliament in 2024, Virendra remains an influential figure, frequently called upon to speak, advise and lend his wisdom to causes that matter. He continues to build bridgesbetween generations, between nations, and between values and action.
Virendra Sharma’s life story is the story of Britain at its best – a country where someone can arrive with nothing but purpose and values and rise to the highest echelons of public life through service, empathy and unwavering dedication. He is a living testament to what it means to lead with dignity and to give back more than one takes.
As he celebrates over 50 years in public service, his legacy is one of inspiration – not just for South Asians or immigrants, but for anyone who believes that politics can still be a force for good.
Amit Agnihotri is a Delhi-based journalist who has worked with several national newspapers and focuses on politics and policy issues