Leicester East MP Shivani Raja has marked 18 months in Parliament by highlighting what she describes as a strong record of delivering for local residents, with more than 8,000 constituents supported since her election.
Raja, who grew up in Leicester East, says her local roots have played a key role in her approach to the job. She continues to live in the city and remains closely connected to local businesses, faith groups and community organisations.
Picture credit: Shivani Raja
“It’s been a steep learning curve both personally and professionally,” Raja said. “But my focus has always been on doing my best every day for the people of Leicester East
“Standing in Parliament matters, but helping people every day is what really makes me happy.”
Since taking office, Raja and her constituency team have dealt with a wide range of issues, including housing, immigration, healthcare access and business rates. According to her office, more than 8,000 residents have received help or support in the past 18 months.
Housing remains one of the most common issues raised. The MP has worked with the local authority on cases involving overcrowded accommodation, including families of four living in one-bedroom flats. She says helping families move into safer and more suitable housing has been one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
Raja says her election has given Leicester East a stronger voice, particularly in holding local decision-makers to account. She has used her position in Parliament to raise concerns about council decisions and challenge what she believes to be a lack of transparency.
“For the first time in a long time, people feel someone is standing up for them and speaking honestly on their behalf,” she said.
“I’m proud of the number of people we’ve been able to help and I really want to keep it that way.”
Healthcare pressures have also featured heavily in her work. Raja regularly meets with senior leaders at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and has focused on improving patient experience. She has also encouraged greater awareness of alternative healthcare services, aiming to reduce pressure on GP surgeries.
Supporting small businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, has been another priority. Raja says many business owners are struggling with rising costs and staffing pressures. She has called on the government to reduce business rates, reverse increases in National Insurance contributions and reform employment rules to make hiring easier.
“Small businesses make up 99 per cent of our economy and contribute two-thirds of the UK’s GDP,” she said. “They need to be supported, not driven away.”
The MP is currently on maternity leave and says spending more time in Leicester has strengthened her connection to the constituency. As a first-time mother, she has spoken openly about the challenge of balancing family life with the demands of politics, describing it as demanding but rewarding.
Looking to the months ahead, Raja said she plans to spend more time engaging with local businesses and communities while continuing to raise Leicester East issues in Parliament.
She has also encouraged more women to consider entering politics, saying female voices bring valuable perspectives to decision-making.
“The different viewpoints that a woman can bring into politics is really invaluable and the more of us that there are the better and that way we can ensure that any bills and laws that are being passed are actually reflective and represent us,” she says.
“My plan for the next 18 months is to continue standing up for my constituents in Leicester in parliament and trying to give my best the communities that essentially raised me.”
