Sojan Joseph, a mental health nurse with the National Health Service (NHS) who migrated from Kerala 22 years ago, is among the newly elected Labour Members of Parliament to the House of Commons following the UK general election this week. At 49, Joseph connected with voters through his commitment to enhance mental health services in his constituency, successfully challenging the Conservative stronghold of Ashford in Kent, south-eastern England.
Joseph's victory over Tory stalwart and former minister Damian Green also struck a blow against the anti-immigration rhetoric of right-wing candidates in a constituency where the far-right Reform UK party placed third behind the Conservatives.
In his acceptance speech on Friday, Joseph expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am humbled by the trust you all have placed in me and fully aware of the responsibilities that come with it. I will work hard for everyone in Ashford, Hawkinge, and the surrounding villages.”
As a local councillor and a BAME (black, Asian, and minority ethnic) Officer, Joseph has been well-prepared for his new parliamentary role. However, he believes his two-decade-long career with the NHS as a mental health nurse has provided him with the empathy needed for his position in Parliament.
His deep connection with the Ashford community, where he has lived with his wife and three children for over 15 years, further motivates him. “I take great pride in calling Ashford and Willesborough my home. I have participated in numerous fundraising activities over the years, including running marathons for various charities and a dragon boat race for the local hospital charity,” said Joseph, who has also completed several international marathons for charitable causes.
“I firmly believe in an inclusive society that works towards achieving the full potential of every individual in the community,” he added.
Joseph's educational background includes schooling in Kottayam and nursing studies at B R Ambedkar Medical College in Bengaluru. In the UK, he earned a Master's degree in healthcare leadership, with a focus on diversity and inclusion in public healthcare. On the campaign trail, many voters described him as highly passionate about improving access to both mental and physical healthcare services for all.
When he takes his seat in the Commons next week, Mr. Joseph will be joined by several other first-time Labour MPs of Indian heritage, reflecting a nationwide swing towards the Labour Party following the landslide victory under the leadership of Keir Starmer.
ISSUE
