I am 33 years old and live with my wife Sabina and family in Dewsbury. I studied law, have worked in the legal profession and have been a councillor since 2003.
I entered politics to make a difference instead of complaining about important issues. I hope to improve my constituents' lives, improve my constituency and country.
My views as a British Muslim sit most comfortably with the philosophy of the Conservatives. Often Asians are rightly talked of as being 'natural conservatives' for having a similar outlook on policies such as the family, economy, crime and education. It is essential for Muslims to be involved in mainstream politics to ensure the Muslim community's concerns are raised where decisions are taken, and more importantly to dispel the myth of all Muslims being terrorists and troublemakers.

I was selected by members of the Conservative party in Blackburn who voted for me after a three stage process. Only two members present were Muslims and the selection was done on merit alone. As a party we do not practise positive discrimination but try and select the best candidate. I would treat everyone the same and in that regard my faith would not be a factor. Having said that, I am multi-lingual and understand the Muslim community, so I would have a better understanding of its issues. People would not have to go through three layers of 'community leaders' to meet with me. But my being Muslim would not be important if I had to deal with an issue such as licensing for premises selling alcohol. I'm aiming for all voters in Blackburn regardless of ethnic background or religion. I would like to believe that I would vote against unethical party policy, though party politics is about collective decision making and rebelling should be an absolute last resort.

Both existing and proposed anti-terror legislation dilute civil liberties and derogate from the presumption of innocence. If applied against British nationals in a third world country we would rightly be up in arms at the injustice and a huge diplomatic effort would be undertaken to secure their release.

I would have voted against the war as Iraq was not a threat to this country, with or without WMDs. Iraq was an American obsession and Tony Blair to satisfy his thirst to be a world statesman blindly followed George Bush, abandoned the UN which allegedly was so important to him and then manufactured evidence to take us to war.

In opposition, Jack Straw said Labour was the best party for Muslims. This has proven to be a red herring as Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and indefinite detention without trial have shown; as well as the failure to deal with the increase of drug use in Muslim communities, low academic achievement and health inequalities. Straw has failed his opportunity to stay true to his word. All I want is to be given an opportunity by Muslims to show how well I will represent them.

This article appeared in the March/April issue of This article appeared in the March/April issue of Emel Magazine, the Muslim Lifestyle Magazine www.emelmagazine.com