Harry Boparai biography
Harry was raised on a local council estate by immigrant parents, who came to England in 1963. Unlike our present MP, Harry did not have the opportunity to go to Eton, but attended a local comprehensive school.
Life was hard for the Boparai family who were subjected to racism from the National Front before their home was repossessed during the Thatcher years when interest rates hit 17%. The family’s financial problems put an end to any prospect of further education for Harry, who entered the labour market at 16 to contribute to the household finances.
Consequently Harry has been educated in the University of Life. In sharp contrast, Kwasi Kwarteng’s expensive education at Eton and Cambridge did not prevent him from crashing the economy when Liz Truss foolishly gave him the keys to the treasury for a just few days in September 2022. We are all still paying the price for Kwarteng’s irresponsible uncosted mini-budget.
Given his under-privileged background Harry has always fought tirelessly for the most vulnerable in society - those least able to defend themselves and who most need our support and compassion.
Harry has worked at Heathrow airport for 26 years and was a trade union rep for Unite before covid hit and new contracts were forced upon loyal employees.
During lockdown, when the airport was closed, Harry worked for one of the world’s richest delivery companies and experienced working under a zero-hour contract which was educational and again a real eye opener on how wide the gap between super rich and poor has become.
Also during the pandemic he helped at a local food bank which again highlighted the daily struggles of families. The food bank inspired him to start his own business expounding the virtues of green sustainability, a sense of community, healthy living and protecting our planet. His concern for social justice and the environment drew Harry to the Liberal Democrats.
Harry’s business also has an outreach programme assisting families who are struggling financially to cook cost- effective and wholesome meals. The company targets school leavers who need direction and these are taken into structured programmes establishing basic work disciplines preparing them for the formal employment sector.
Harry derives great satisfaction and pleasure from helping people. As a county and borough councillor he has earned great respect. That is why people of all parties and none are flocking to support him.
Harry is passionate about social justice as he knows how it feels when you are struggling to make ends meet or have nowhere to live.
He also wants to prevent crime by investing in neighbourhood policing and youth services and he strongly supports Twickenham MP Munira Wilson’s bill to have a qualified mental health professional in every school. Money invested in our children saves money in the long run.
Harry is committed to saving the planet for his three children and future grandchildren and for Britain to once again be at the heart of Europe.
It was these passions which ultimately convinced Harry that the Liberal Democrats have the best policies. He has been on a political Odyssey before finding his true home with the Liberal Democrats.
It is primarily the opportunity to help people which motivates Harry to stand for parliament. It’s not for what he can be, but for what he can do.
If elected to represent the people of Spelthorne Harry will make being an MP his one and only job. Unlike our present MP he will not accept lucrative consultancies.
Unlike our present MP Harry lives in the borough and has no plans to move. It’s time for the residents of Spelthorne to elect one of their own to represent them. Someone who understands their needs because he shares them.
That person is Harry Boparai.
Declaration of interests:
Member of Unite Union
Member of the Richmond in Europe Association.
Contact details
cllrharryboparai@gmail.com
07525 473 430