Preet Kaur Gill (L) and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (R) [File Photos]

Over Seas

Historic General Election for UK Sikh Community: Sikh Council UK

By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

June 09, 2017

by Sikh Council UK

London: Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Preet Kaur Gill have successfully been elected to Parliament following the General Election in the UK.

Tanmanjeet becomes the first turban wearing Sikh in history to be elected to the House of Commons. He was successful in obtaining 34,170 votes for the Labour Party in Slough. This constitutes a significantly increased majority of 16,998 votes and a vote share of 62.9% in that constituency.

Preet Kaur becomes the first Sikh woman in Parliament. She succeeded in obtaining 24,124 votes for the Labour Party in Birmingham Edgbaston. This constitutes an increased majority of 6,917 and a vote share of 55.3% in that constituency.

Sikh Council UK Secretary General Elect Jagtar Singh said “This is a historic development and coming of age for the Sikh community in the UK. We are delighted for Tan and Preet and offer our heartfelt congratulations to both on their successes. We look forward to working with all the successful candidates in the months and years ahead”.

He added “Whilst the results of the General Election are still being counted it appears the country is divided and no party has been able to secure an overall majority. We are monitoring the results closely and will of course look to work closely with whichever party or parties form the next Government”.