Navendu Prabhat Mishra, born on August 22, 1989, has emerged as a formidable force in British politics, representing the Stockport constituency as a Member of Parliament (MP) since the 2019 general election. His journey from humble beginnings to the corridors of Westminster is a testament to his dedication to social justice, equality, and community empowerment.
Early Life and Career of Navendu Prabhat Mishra
Navendu Mishra’s roots trace back to India, with his mother hailing from Gorakhpur and his father from Kanpur, both in Uttar Pradesh. Raised in a family that valued education and hard work, Mishra was privately educated at Clifton College in Bristol. He furthered his studies at the University of Hull and Keele University, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills needed for his future endeavors.
Before venturing into politics, Mishra worked at the John Lewis Partnership and later at UNISON, where he demonstrated his commitment to workers’ rights. As a shop floor trade unionist in Stockport, he advocated for the rights of care workers in precarious employment, eventually becoming an organiser for UNISON.
Navendu Prabhat Mishra’s experiences on the ground shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary workers, fueling his desire to effect change through political means.
Political Career
Navendu Prabhat Mishra’s political journey began with the founding of Stockport Momentum, a grassroots organization supporting progressive causes within the Labour Party. He played a significant role in the Labour leadership elections of 2015 and 2016, backing Jeremy Corbyn’s vision for a more inclusive and just society.
In September 2018, Navendu Prabhat Mishra was elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party, representing Constituency Labour Parties. His tenure on the NEC was marked by his unwavering commitment to the party’s core values and the interests of its grassroots members. However, upon his election as an MP, he had to step down from the NEC, as MPs are ineligible to serve in this capacity.
Parliamentary Career
Mishra’s first foray into parliamentary elections was in the snap 2017 general election, where he contested the Hazel Grove constituency. Despite a strong campaign, he finished third.
Undeterred, he continued his political activism, and in the 2019 general election, he was selected as Labour’s candidate for Stockport. This opportunity arose after the incumbent MP, Ann Coffey, left the Labour Party in protest over Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
In a resounding victory, Mishra was elected as the MP for Stockport, securing 52% of the vote and a majority of 10,039. His election was a triumph for progressive politics and a clear mandate from the people of Stockport for genuine representation.
As an MP, Navendu Prabhat Mishra has been a vocal advocate for social justice and has been actively involved in the Socialist Campaign Group. He endorsed Rebecca Long-Bailey in the 2020 Labour leadership election, further aligning himself with the progressive wing of the party. However, in May 2024, PoliticsHome reported that he had left the Campaign Group, signaling a new phase in his political journey.
Standing Up for Principles
Navendu Prabhat Mishra’s commitment to his principles was evident on October 15, 2020, when he resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Angela Rayner.
This courageous decision was made to vote against the proposed Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill, defying the Labour whip’s instruction to abstain. Mishra’s stand against the bill highlighted his dedication to human rights and civil liberties, even at the cost of his position within the party.
Addressing Racism and Inequality
During the 2021 Batley and Spen by-election, Navendu Prabhat Mishra made headlines by accusing his own party of having a “hierarchy of racism,” where certain groups were more vulnerable to attacks based on religion, race, or heritage. His bold statement brought attention to the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach within the Labour Party and British society at large.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
Navendu Mishra resides in Brinnington and is an active member of his community. He is a member of the Offerton cricket club and the Civil Service Club, demonstrating his commitment to local engagement and recreation. His personal life reflects his dedication to community building and fostering connections with the people he represents.
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