Stockwell Councillor - Pav Akhtar

Pav Akhtar

Cllr Pav Akhtar has been Labour Councillor for Stockwell since May 2006.

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
I was 15-years-old when my local council tried to introduce unreasonable restrictions to a bus service used by my fellow school pupils and elderly people in our area. I launched a petition and helped build a community campaign which generated enough support to save the service.

What inspired you to become a councillor?
I’ve always been quite involved in my community, and realised through a friend of mine who was a Labour Councillor in another London borough, all the good work that he got to do to better the locality. I knew I wanted to do the same.

Has it been worth it?
Yes, it’s been a brilliant experience so far. I’ve made a real effort to get out into the community and ensure people know I am there to represent them. Seeing Labour run Lambeth and contrasting that to what the Lib Dems and Tories had been doing has shown me up close what a huge difference there is between the political parties.

What’s the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a day?
I’m a board member of the Jubilee Debt Campaign, so would ensure there was an immediate cancellation of all unfair debts of developing countries. I would then oversee a fair redistribution of wealth and deliver a programme of universal access to education.

What single thing would most improve your area?
If the council improved the way that it communicates with residents and showed that it really listens to them.

What’s your favourite film?
The Colour Purple.

What does your council do particularly well?
Under the newly elected Labour administration – we’re starting to strengthen community engagement and I can see this is an area where there are going to be massive improvements.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I was once out at a party with friends when I met a journalist from The Sun newspaper. He mistook me for Sanjeev Bhaskar from “Goodness Gracious Me” and “The Kumars at no 42”. I was so embarrassed for him that I went along with it and pretend to be this guy until I could escape. I wouldn’t mind, but I don’t look anything like him!!

What is the biggest problem with local government today?
The levels of bureaucracy

How would you solve it?
Strengthen community forums and devolve decision making to local communities.

Who is your political hero, and why?
Nelson Mandela, because he is so absolutely principled and resolute in his actions. He knew his cause was just and proper and he pursued it to the end. It didn’t matter what punishments he was subjected to, he stood firm. Mandela’s humility at the point when the racist apartheid regime in South Africa collapsed was quite something, too. He is really a person who deserves our admiration.

When and where are you most happy?
When I’m on a flight back home to England.

What’s your theme song, and why?
At the moment it has to be the Kaiser Chiefs, “I Predict a Riot” because it’s the song my siblings and I rocked to on our most recent stay together.

What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
I read English at university so it’s difficult to pick just one, but I’d be happy with either: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy or Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. Everyone must read these.

What’s your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
Greatest fear is that I stop believing that there is hope for a better world.

Greatest hope is that the international community has the courage to implement UN resolutions to achieve a just and peaceful solution to the Israel-Palestine problem. This could take the fire out of so many contemporary hostilities.

What fictional character do you identify with, and why?
My favourite character is Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird which had a profound impact on my life. I was horrified by the injustice in the book, not just the trial and death of an innocent man but also the injustice of the characters’ lives. Atticus was great, calm but passionate and a brilliant father figure. He explained to me the need for compassion and a generosity of spirit when dealing with people.

What do you consider your greatest political triumph
That I’ve not compromised my political integrity in getting to where I am today has to be worth celebrating. I’m a progressive socialist and proud.

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