Nusrat Ghani’s remarkable journey from a working-class background to her current role as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons is nothing short of inspiring. As the first female Muslim MP to hold this prestigious position, Ghani’s story is a testament to perseverance and the drive to succeed against the odds. In this candid conversation with Ahmed J Versi, Editor of The Muslim News, Ghani reflects on her political journey, her role in British democracy, and the challenges she has faced as a Muslim woman in a political landscape often marked by Islamophobia and discrimination.
A journey rooted in faith and determination
Ghani’s path to Parliament was far from conventional. Raised in Small Heath, Birmingham, she grew up in a working-class Muslim household and faced societal norms that curtailed aspirations for many young women in her community. “I was told that my life’s ambition would be to get married as a teenager and live in a council house,” she recalls, disillusioned with her local Labour representatives. “None of the people with power wanted to change that,” she said. Ghani became resolute in her determination to break free from those constraints. As the first woman in her family to attend school, Ghani was driven by a mission to gain control of her life and achieve economic independence—goals she believed could only be realised by challenging the traditional norms of her community. Her political journey was fuelled by a desire to create opportunities, not just for herself, but for others who, like her, were overlooked by conventional power structures. “I wanted to make the most of the freedom that this country gave me,” she shares.
Becoming Deputy Speaker
Ghani’s political trajectory reflects her tenacity. From backbencher to Minister, and ultimately to her current position as Deputy Speaker, Ghani’s career was shaped by her relentless pursuit of change. Reflecting on her time as a minister, she recalls how each role provided her with a deeper understanding of how government operates. As a member of multiple departments, including the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Science and Investment Security, Ghani consistently demonstrated a leadership capacity that earned the respect of her colleagues. “It’s a huge honour and privilege that colleagues feel I can be responsible in the chair and help them do their jobs as MPs,” Ghani says of her current role as Deputy Speaker, a position she holds with both pride and humility. “There’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes… we help the Speaker in his job. It’s about protecting Parliament, protecting colleagues, and making sure the programme of business is done every day.” Ghani’s journey from a rebellious backbencher to one of the most senior figures in the UK Parliament is a testament to her dedication to serving her country and her community. Her experiences as a minister and her understanding of parliamentary duties have shaped her leadership style. Beyond the logistics of her role, Ghani is driven by a deep commitment to protect and uphold the core values of democracy, including addressing the growing issue of ministerial media leaks. She sees these leaks as a significant threat to the integrity of parliamentary proceedings, eroding both the process itself and the trust that constituents place in their elected representatives. “Parliament comes first, and MPs should have the privilege of hearing [policies] first so they can question first on behalf of their constituents. The Speaker’s job is to represent Parliament, and the Speaker is saying the job of ministers is to come to Parliament, be accountable, be challenged by colleagues, and do your business in Parliament. It is also true that this isn’t a new thing. The desire for news to be fresh on a 24-hour news cycle means there’s more pressure on people to disclose first outside of Westminster. But that is bad for the medium, and it doesn’t go down very well. But as the Speaker has said that is no excuse.”
Facing adversity
Ghani’s political career has been marked by significant challenges—some personal, others systemic. Her efforts to raise awareness about the Uyghur genocide in China led to her being sanctioned by the Chinese government—an extraordinary rebuke that few British parliamentarians have ever faced. Rather than deter her, the sanction strengthened her resolve. “I’m trying to do a bigger public service than worrying about my ability to travel to a country or not,” she says, underscoring her commitment to confronting human rights abuses. Yet, Ghani’s battles have not been confined to the international stage. Within her own political party, she faced Islamophobia and racial discrimination. One particularly harrowing incident saw her “Muslimness” cited as a source of discomfort among colleagues, a prejudice that cost her a ministerial position. “It felt like I’d been punched in the stomach,” she recalls. “But this is one of the absurdities of being in politics. Things that could never happen in any other workplace can most definitely take place here.” Despite these challenges, Ghani remains resolute in her belief that change is possible. An inquiry into the incident vindicated her, exposing the lies of those who sought to undermine her. For Ghani, the key takeaway is clear: prejudice should never define a career, and discrimination based on faith or identity has no place in Parliament.
Empowering the next generation
Throughout the interview, Ghani emphasizes the importance of political participation, particularly for young people from marginalised communities. “My challenge to them is to get involved in politics; get involved in your local council,” she urges. “If more people get involved, we can continue to improve representation. If you feel passionate about an issue, take that passion and turn it into action.” She particularly calls on women, from backgrounds like hers, to enter politics, “It’s about working-class women because that’s what’s more important to me—women from my background who never thought they’d end up here,” Ghani says. Her message is clear: if she can overcome the obstacles of a challenging upbringing and a difficult political landscape to become Deputy Speaker, so can others. “There are enough people across the House who will provide a helping hand to women who want to come forward from a very working-class background, whether they’re Muslim or not,” she affirms.
Looking ahead with optimism
While acknowledging the persistence of challenges like Islamophobia, Ghani remains hopeful about the future of British politics. “We need more people to participate,” she says. “We have one of the most diverse parliaments we’ve had for a long time, and it will continue to be more reflective of the communities it serves.” Her passion for public service and her unwavering belief that change is possible are what drives her forward. As the first Muslim woman to hold the role of Deputy Speaker, Ghani is not just paving the way for others like her; she is proving that with determination and a strong sense of purpose, anyone can break through the barriers to success. For young people, especially Muslim women, her story serves as a powerful reminder that with passion, persistence, and faith in themselves, they too can make their mark in the world of politics—and beyond.
The original article is available here.
