London’s Indian-origin Deputy Mayor Rajesh Agrawal to step down

Agrawal emerged as the preferred candidate during a hustings event on November 18, securing the opportunity to represent a constituency with one of the largest South Asian populations in the UK

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, of Indian descent, is set to step down from his role to concentrate on his recent appointment as the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate in Leicester East. Agrawal, who assumed the deputy mayor position in 2016 under the appointment of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, with a salary of £141,406 per annum, has been an integral part of London’s leadership.

Agrawal emerged as the preferred candidate during a hustings event on November 18, securing the opportunity to represent a constituency with one of the largest South Asian populations in the UK. The region experienced heightened tensions in 2022, notably following an India-Pakistan cricket match.

Expressing his decision to resign, Agrawal stated on November 26, “After my recent selection as the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate and careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to step down as Deputy Mayor of London to focus on campaigning in Leicester East.”

Agrawal also served as the chair of London, overseeing the capital’s business growth and destination agency

Reflecting on his tenure, Agrawal acknowledged the honor and privilege of serving Londoners for the past seven and a half years. As a fintech entrepreneur, he emphasized his personal journey from arriving in the country with limited resources to making it his home and contributing to its growth.

Despite facing challenges such as Brexit, failed trade negotiations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current cost-of-living crisis, Agrawal highlighted his successful delivery on commitments. During his term, he led trade missions worldwide, promoting London’s investment opportunities with visits to India, Japan, and the United States. Additionally, Agrawal served as the chair of London, overseeing the capital’s business growth and destination agency.

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