Larkhall Councillor- Neeraj Patil

Neeraj Patil

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
I first got interested in politics living in India and seeing the massive wealth inequalities. 50% of global population earns less than $1 a day. I wanted to change this.

What inspired you to become a councillor?
Working and living in Lambeth was made very difficult for residents by the previous Conservative/Lib Dem alliance. They were so focused on extracting money from hard working class rather than improving services and I wasn’t prepared to stand for it any longer. They were more interested in giving people unfair parking tickets than stopping serious crime.

Has it been worth it?
Yes, it was definitely worth it. I feel honoured by Labour party's positive action to select Black ethnic minority members as councillors. I also feel a deep sense of responsibility in playing a key role to integrate BME community into main stream politics and deliver good services to residents of Lambeth.

What’s your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
I fear another terror attack like 9/11 in UK. My greatest hope is of Labour Party winning 4th term in 2010

What’s the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a day?
Identify bottle necks which prevent wealth from reaching the poor and get rid of them, by using modern ideas relating to market reforms and democracy.

What single thing would most improve your area?
Good housing services

What’s your favourite film?
The Ten Commandments

What do you consider your greatest political triumph?
Winning Lambeth council in May 2006, When London turned from red to blue we bucked the trend.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
One Wednesday not long before the local elections there were three major stories running about the national Government which were very embarrassing. I was very worried that these would effect the local elections, but luckily people did vote on local issues.

What is the biggest problem with local government today?
Community detachment

How would you solve it?
Engagement and consultation of local community. Improved partnership working between local government and voluntary sector.

Who is your political hero, and why?
Nelson Mandela. He knew when to quit politics. Most of political careers end in tragedy because politicians lack insight about when to quit politics. Nelson Mandela quit politics at the peak time and he proved to the entire world that he is a different kind of politician who is not power hungry. His career did not end in a tragedy and still he is admired by everyone.

When and where are you most happy?
The day I passed my PLAB exam on 9th Nov 1994

What’s your theme song?
Sacrifice, by Elton John

What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe

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