In the ever-evolving landscape of British politics, few stories are as powerful and uplifting as that of Shivani Rajnikant Raja. Born on 21 July 1994 in the vibrant neighbourhood of Rushey Mead, Leicester, Shivani’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and relentless dedication. Today, she stands as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Leicester East, representing the Conservative Party, and inspiring countless young minds across the nation.
Shivani Rajnikant Raja: Rooted in Heritage, Driven by Hope
Shivani’s story begins with her parents, who migrated to the UK from India and Kenya in the late 1970s. Settling in Rushey Mead, they worked tirelessly to build a life rooted in strong cultural values and unwavering work ethic. As a first-generation British citizen of Gujarati heritage, Shivani grew up surrounded by Leicester’s rich multicultural spirit.
From Herrick Primary School to Soar Valley College and Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College, she absorbed not just education but the spirit of community. She later graduated with First Class Honours in Cosmetic Science from De Montfort University, proving her academic excellence early on.
Her early exposure to community engagement was evident when she became a semi-finalist in the Miss India UK 2017 beauty pageant, showcasing not just her grace but her willingness to embrace diverse opportunities.
Breaking Political Barriers
In May 2024, Shivani Raja was selected as the Conservative candidate for Leicester East, a constituency long held by the Labour Party since 1987. Against all odds, she secured a historic victory in the 2024 United Kingdom general election with 14,526 votes, defeating high-profile opponents including Rajesh Agrawal, Claudia Webbe, and Keith Vaz.
Her win was the only seat gained by the Conservatives in a challenging election year, making headlines across the country. On 10 July 2024, she took her Oath of Allegiance on the Bhagavad Gita in the House of Commons, a proud and symbolic gesture that resonated deeply with the British-Indian community. Identifying as an “unapologetic proud Hindu,” this moment became a landmark of representation and cultural pride.
Soon after, she was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Equalities Office under Kemi Badenoch, further cementing her place as a rising star in her party.
Shivani Rajnikant Raja: Empowering Leicester East: Her Vision and Mission
As the MP for Leicester East, Shivani has passionately focused on:
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Community Unity: Bridging cultural gaps, promoting dialogue, and celebrating diversity through local festivals like Diwali.
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Youth Empowerment: Creating job opportunities, mentorship programs, and skill-building initiatives to inspire young people.
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Local Development: Championing cleanliness drives, improving street infrastructure, and advocating for small businesses.
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Cultural Preservation: Launching petitions to protect Leicester’s iconic Diwali celebrations alongside Neil O’Brien.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed—she has participated in over 140 parliamentary divisions, spoken in numerous debates, and even challenged her party by voting against the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in November 2024, showing her independent spirit.
Global Engagement and Bold Diplomacy
Beyond local politics, Shivani has also represented the UK on the global stage. In early 2025, she joined a cross-party delegation to Nepal, visiting Kathmandu, Panauti, and Melamchi to promote UK aid, support Gurkha welfare, and foster investment in Nepalese small enterprises.
She penned a thought-provoking article for ConservativeHome, advocating for a relationship based on mutual prosperity rather than mere altruism—a perspective that showcased her sharp international outlook.
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