Raj was born in Portsmouth and has lived here all his life. He’s a well-known figure in the city due to his work with young people, especially those with limited opportunities to take part in sports activities.

Raj is a postgraduate of Portsmouth University, a qualified teacher and registered social worker. He has worked in children’s homes and residential units and also taught in a schools around Portsmouth and Hampshire.

Raj is a Shared Lives carer which means he supports an adult with learning disabilities in his own home. Through his work and volunteering, mostly with children, Raj has wide experience of working with people with behavioural difficulties, mental health conditions and autism. Raj says: “As a councillor, I can bring useful insight and experience to the role.”

Raj is passionate about sports and providing opportunities for young people to participate. He is a part-time wrestling coach, a martial arts and judo instructor as well as a boxing tutor and Football Association coach. He has worked and volunteered for local organisations such as Enable Ability, Pompey in the Community and Portsmouth FoodCycle. Raj says: “I strongly believe that no-one should go hungry and that sport should be for all.”

“Opportunities are being missed by those making decisions about services for Portsea, Landport, Somers Town and Buckland,” Raj believes. “I know residents are struggling to access GPs and dentists as well as all the services that have been cut by a decade of Tory austerity. I’ve also been working with Stephen Morgan MP on crime and anti-social behaviour in Portsea, and with Councillor Yinka Adeniran on fly tipping and litter in Buckland. Our area has a fantastic sense of community and that’s why I have decided to put myself forward this year to stand in the Charles Dickens ward in the Portsmouth City Council local elections.”