Raju G. Mendez
Thiruvananthapuram: Mr. Sojan Joseph, a Malayali nurse by profession who migrated to the United Kingdom two decades ago, has become an icon in British parliamentary history by winning an election representing the Labour Party.
Mr. Sojan, who contested the election, has gained credibility as a pioneering victor from the constituency of Ashford, an erstwhile invincible seat of the Conservative Party. His defeat of senior politician Damian Green through his charisma is highly remarkable.
Hailing from the district of Kottayam, Kerala, India, specifically from Kaippuzha, known as a hub of nursing professionals, Mr. Sojan has paved the way for consolidating a Labour Party foothold in Ashford, challenging over 139 years of Conservative Party monopoly there.
With the slogan “Vote for laborers,” he expressed concerns on social media about the highest taxation burden in over 70 years and the steep decline in service sectors in national health. He emphasized the need to avoid contention with the vicious circle of invaders and questioned where the money was being channeled.
Returning to Kerala, Sojan’s family is now immersed in the excitement of media exposure. The youngest of seven siblings, born to Mr. Joseph and the late Elikkutty, Sojan made his way to the UK in 2001, starting his career in the health service as a nurse.
Though he wasn’t politically active during his student days in Kerala and Bangalore, Sojan was known as a capable organizer. In Ashford, UK, he served as a councilor before setting out to contest the parliamentary election.
His spouse, hailing from Thrissur and also a nurse, has three children with him. One of his elder sisters, Sibi Sunny, is a permanent resident of Ashford.
His most recent visit to Kerala was in March this year. “Though he was very confident and hopeful about winning the contest, the entire process was strenuous,” said his sister Alice, a retired teacher.
Acknowledging his success gracefully and being proud of it, Mr. Sojan Joseph is prepared to extend his wholehearted service to address fundamental issues such as the NHS, societal needs, road safety, business promotion, and the cost of living. He is committed to serving as a full-time MP standing firm for the public.
