Ever since my recovery from long term paralysis, I have dedicated my life to my community. For the past twelve years I have had the pleasure and honour of meeting different people from different walks of life, this in many ways has enhanced my knowledge of the citizens of this wonderful borough. Rich in life, culture and religion I believe Kingston has a vibrancy that is welcoming to all.

In 1998 I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity by the Liberal Democrats to stand for council. With the help of the community I proudly joined the Liberal Democrats and was honourably able to represent the Chessington South Ward. In 2000 I was elected as Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. This was indeed a huge privilege as I became the first Asian to hold this position in Kingston. A year later I decided to take my responsibilities further a field and become a Governor of Kingston College.

I was given the honour of opening the first Shiraz Mirza Community Hall in Norbiton in 2003. Building on the success of the first hall, the council wanted the Shiraz Mirza Trust to take on the responsibility of managing a second hall. This was officially opened by the current Mayor of London Boris Johnson. I have also developed many formal links with many local organisations such as The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, ROYAD (Reach Out Young Adult Disabled, The Chrysalis Club (Founder member) and Kingston Carers Network of which I am a trustee.

When remembering my success I must extend my thanks and gratitude to the residents of the borough in the capacity of both mayor and a councillor. It is through their support that I have wanted to continue working for all the wonderful people of Chessington South Ward and beyond. I would relish the opportunity to carry on working for the community and helping people wherever possible.