Voters in Leamington Willes have elected its first ever female Sikh Councillors in last week’s District and Town Council elections. Mini Mangat was elected as District Councillor and Navdeep Atwal was elected as a Town Councillor. They join Cllr Helen Adkins who is the County Councillor for the area.
Mini, who is a lifelong resident of Leamington and part of the Sydenham community commented, ‘I feel very honoured and humbled that the public have put their trust in me to represent the Willes ward as it’s such a fantastic area.

I would like to thank the community for their support and for electing me as their District Councillor. In Willes ward we have a friendly, welcoming, dynamic and diverse community with people from many different backgrounds – its home to me and I love it and I am proud to represent it. I have worked in the local community for a number of years, recently campaigning against the new council offices. I have also worked to prevent the proposed new development of East Whitnash detrimentally impacting the people living in and around St Fremunds Way. There is a lot to do and I am ready to continue my efforts.’

Navdeep, who has lived in Sydenham for 19 years and raised her family there, has strong ties with the local community, having worked at the Sydni centre when it was first established. She has also served on the Asian Women’s group. After the election Navdeep commented, ‘I would like to thank everyone who voted and supported me during the campaign. I am delighted to have been elected by a community I have been involved in for nearly 20 years.’
Cllr Helen Adkins said, ‘I have worked for over a year with Mini and Navdeep in the local community and they have been effective in helping me with local campaigns. They are both passionate and hard-working women, and together we will make a fantastic team in Willes.’

Mota Singh, who stood down this year after more than 40 years in local politics commented, ‘I am so pleased for Mini and Navdeep, and so proud of them for standing and getting elected. They will represent the Sikh community and the rest of the community so well and I know they are already getting on top of the local issues. I wish them all the best.’

Matt Western, MP, said, ‘I couldn’t be more pleased that Navdeep and Mini have been elected. They campaigned hard against a tough opposition and they deserve their success. They are a welcome addition to the local Labour team.