Shailesh Lakhman Vara, born on 4 September 1960, stands as a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and leadership. As a Ugandan-British Conservative former politician, Vara’s journey from Uganda to the corridors of the British Parliament is a story of remarkable achievement and unwavering commitment to public service.
Early Life and Education of Shailesh Vara
Shailesh Vara was born in Uganda to Gujarati Indian immigrants. His early life was marked by the challenges of migration when his family moved to Britain in 1964. Growing up with a Hindu upbringing, Vara attended Aylesbury Grammar School and later pursued law at Brunel University, where he qualified as a solicitor. These formative years laid the foundation for his future endeavors in both law and politics.
Legal and Business Career
Before entering politics, Shailesh Vara built a distinguished career in law and business. He worked in the City of London and the West End, gaining valuable experience and expertise. His international stint in Hong Kong from 1989-1990 broadened his perspectives, enriching his professional acumen.
Shailesh Vara served as a senior legal adviser and business consultant for London First and held the position of vice-president at the Small Business Bureau, demonstrating his versatility and leadership beyond the political sphere.
Entry into Politics
Shailesh Vara’s political journey began in the late 1980s when he became actively involved with the Conservative Party. His dedication and hard work saw him rise through the ranks, holding various posts at local, regional, and national levels. As Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party from 2001 to 2005, Vara played a crucial role in shaping party strategies, advising leaders, and representing the party in the media.
His initial attempts to secure a parliamentary seat saw him standing in Birmingham Ladywood in the 1997 general election and Northampton South in the 2001 general election. Despite not winning these seats, Vara’s perseverance and commitment to his political career never wavered.
Parliamentary Achievements
In 2005, Shailesh Vara was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Cambridgeshire, marking the beginning of an illustrious parliamentary career.
Vara’s focus on critical issues, such as the Breast Cancer Bill, showcased his dedication to public health and welfare. He campaigned to broaden the age range for routine breast cancer screening, advocating for women’s health with passion and determination.
Throughout his tenure, Shailesh Vara consistently worked towards the betterment of his constituents, earning their trust and support. His re-elections in 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019 with increasing vote shares and majorities reflect his effectiveness as a representative and his ability to connect with the people he served.
Leadership Roles and Resilience
Shailesh Vara’s leadership qualities were recognized early in his career. In 2006, he was appointed as the Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons by David Cameron. His contributions to the Cameron government as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Courts and Legal Aid from 2013 to 2016 and as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from 2015 to 2016 were significant.
However, Vara’s journey was not without challenges. In July 2016, he returned to the backbenches after being removed from his positions by the new Prime Minister, Theresa May.
Despite this setback, Vara’s resilience saw him re-enter the government as Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office in January 2018. His tenure was marked by his opposition to Theresa May’s draft Brexit withdrawal agreement, leading to his resignation in November 2018.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
In July 2022, during the UK government crisis, Vara was appointed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by Boris Johnson. His tenure, though brief, underscored his commitment to serving in crucial and challenging roles. He was dismissed by Liz Truss on 6 September 2022, marking the end of his formal political career, but his impact remained significant.
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