Joy for Labour’s Shabana Mahmood
LABOUR’S Shabana Mahmood has become Birmingham’s first female Muslim MP.
The Oxford graduate, who describes herself as a ‘born and bred Brummie’ polled 19,950 votes, a majority of 10,105 over Liberal Democrat Ayoub Khan in the Ladywood constituency of the city.
Mahmood said she was “humbled and honoured” by her win.
“This is a constituency with significant challenges but it is incredibly diverse and vibrant. I pledge to be a hard working MP, working every day to fulfill the faith people have in me. I will fight for Ladywood as a passionate and committed Labour MP,” she said.
There was disappointment for the Respect Party’s Salma Yaqoob who came in second behind Labour’s Roger Godsiff in the Hall Green constituency.
Ms Yaqoob polled an impressive 12,240 votes –but fell short of the 16,039 gained by Mr Godsiff.
Despite the disappointment, Ms Yaqoob said coming second was a “fantastic achievement.”
“Thanks to everybody who supported my campaign. Despite being written off by the media I came second, polling over 12,000 votes. It is a fantastic achievement and testimony to a desire for a political alternative to the parties of bombing and big business. It is clear that many people’s fear of a Tory government boosted the Labour vote, puncturing the Lib Dem bubble but also squeezing my vote as well,” she said.
“I am really proud of the campaign that I ran. I will be campaigning for peace, justice and equality with the same passion tomorrow and in the months to come.”
