:dateline:Secretary General of the Sikh Council UK, Gurmel Singh said, �The selection of a Gursikh candidate in a winnable seat by one of the major political parties is fantastic news. Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has a wealth of experience in the political field at such a young age and will make an excellent MP.�
�Tanmanjeet is a real role model for all his community work as well as his involvement in local politics. I hope more young Sikhs will follow his example and get involved in their local community and consider a career in politics. We wish him well for the elections in 2015.�
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has been a Councillor for Northfleet North Ward of Gravesham Council since 2007 and is currently the Lead Member for Business and the Community on Gravesham Borough Council Cabinet. He served as Mayor of Gravesham in 2011 to 2012 and was the youngest ever Sikh Mayor.
Head of Political Engagement at the Sikh Council UK, Gurinder Singh Josan said, �The Sikh Council UK has recognised the lack of Sikhs in elected positions for all political parties and launched a �Political Engagement Programme�. We want to see many more Sikhs being selected as candidates in winnable seats by all political parties. Our recent candidate events at Labour Party and Conservative Party headquarters showed there are talented and experienced Sikhs who would make excellent elected representatives at all levels.�
The world of politics reflects human nature in all its rational and irrational glory. I can think of no better role model to enter the world of politics than Tanmanjeet and sincerely wish him all the best as he continues his political career.