Vale of Glamorgan: Wales elects its first MP of colour

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History has been made as Labour’s Kanishka Narayan becomes the first MP of colour in Wales.

The politician ousted former Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns from the Vale of Glamorgan.

Speaking after the win, he told BBC Wales he was “excited” to bring “great jobs” and “a sense of prosperity” to the area.

So who is Mr Narayan?

Mr Narayan grew up in Cardiff, and now lives in Barry.

He said: “A minimum wage gave my family dignity,” and that he was taught to “give back to quality public services”.

He went to Oxford University to study philosophy, politics and economics and then on to Stanford University in California to master business.

Before becoming a politician himself, he had a career in government advising ministers on public policy.

He also worked in business advising and investing in climate and fintech start-ups across Europe and the US.

He said he was “passionate” about social mobility and justice.

In terms of volunteer work Mr Narayan ran a national campaign to help British high streets during lockdown.

He also mentors state school students applying to universities.

Speaking to BBC Wales after his win, he said: “My focus is totally on bringing great jobs here to the vale of Glamorgan, bringing a sense of prosperity.

“I think the constituents are optimistic about the change we have created in the Labour party and the mandate for change.”

When asked how long it will take for his constituents to see change, he said his constituents “know politics requires honesty” and he is not offering “a quick sense of results tomorrow but a considered serious form of governance that delivers for this community at the right time”.

“I will be working day in, day out to deliver for this community,” he said.

Why is Mr Narayan’s win so important? Analysis by political reporter Rhodri Lewis

Earlier this year, Vaughan Gething became the first black leader of any country in Europe when he was elected first minister.

However, the people we sent to Westminster had, until last night, been white.

Kanishka Narayan’s election in the Vale of Glamorgan as the first person of colour to be elected from Wales, changes all that.

It’s one of the most significant developments since Lady Megan Lloyd George became the first woman MP from Wales, back in 1929.

So as well as representing his constituents, Mr Narayan also represents a sea change as parts of Welsh society are represented in the Commons in a way they haven’t been before.

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