I have lived in Utley with my family since moving from Blackburn in 2001.
A community activist for most of my life, I am a firm believer in social justice, equality of opportunity, democracy and the rule of law. I have held strategic positions in the statutory and voluntary sectors for the past twenty years being responsible for programmes that have improved neighbourhoods and contributed to a better quality of life for communities, particularly disadvantaged and the vulnerable, working in challenging (hotspot) areas across the North of England.
A community practitioner trained in Leadership, media relations and management, I occupy an in-depth knowledge of working with communities from different backgrounds I have been working as a senior officer in Local Government over the past twelve years focussing on two of the key national agendas Social Cohesion (Community Cohesion – Integration) and Prevent (Counter Terrorism).
A practising Muslim, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Having passed my prime as a sportsman I am now confined to just watching football, cricket and tennis.
An unknown fact about me is that I was the first Asian (Muslim) to have professional trials with Blackburn Rovers, twice, while at school.