Gina Patel: “We need more young disabled people in politics”

I couldn’t see anyone like me in politics. I’m a British South Asian woman, and I’m a young disabled person who sometimes uses a wheelchair.

So,in the May 2026 local elections, I became an independent candidate in my hometown of Wednesbury in the West Midlands.

Keen to help, and keen to try again

If elected as a councillor in my local authority, Sandwell Council, I wanted to help each person who came to me to resolve their issues and concerns.

I also wanted to speak up for the many people – including disabled people – who feel they don’t see someone like them in politics and who don’t have their voices heard.

I work as an administrative assistant in healthcare. As a co-chair of our staff network since 2022, I represent lots of my colleagues. I’m delighted that people put their trust in me to help them out.

Having found my voice at work, I wanted to help more people in the place where I live.

I didn’t get in this time. But in future local elections, I’ll put myself forward again. Most people were really positive, and there are lots of issues on which we can campaign together.

Maybe I’ll motivate the next Gina who could also take positive action for others.
Gina Patel

Disabled people face barriers that can be removed… with the right help

I have cerebral palsy, epilepsy and anxiety. As I’ve explored in recent media articles and a TEDX talk, many disabled people face barriers in our everyday lives.

For example, disabled jobseekers face a lack of understanding: those of us who can work really want to find and stay in work. Government support systems like Access to Work can help us do that, if they have proper backing and resources.

Lots of disabled people are missing out on crucial, often underfunded public services. So, across the country, we need politicians (including more disabled politicians) in our corner and representing us in the spaces that matter.

We need representatives who understand the support system for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We need politicians who understand the crucial importance of social care.

Key message for the new Prime Minister

Encouragingly, at the start of his leadership, Andy Burnham addressed social care directly. If major investment and reform finally happened, this would transform people’s lives and boost the economy.

The cost of life as a disabled person remains particularly high. The Timms Review is currently looking at Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This key benefit provides some essential help. But I know that even with a full-time salary, after household bills, the current amount of PIP does not cover my support needs. And I’m far from the only disabled person in this situation.

Politicians should look at the way disabled people are perceived and talked about in society. It seems to be forgotten that anyone – including people in politics – can become a disabled person overnight.

My key message to the new Prime Minister and new government is simple. With the right support, disabled people can thrive. So please recognise that we need that support.

Hearing people’s views

On the campaign trail in Wednesbury, I loved hearing the views of people in my area about many different issues.

I spoke to local businesses. I conducted surveys on social media to find out what voters were thinking and what they wanted to be improved. I also used social media to produce videos driven by my lived experience. I avoided the standard door knocking. I wanted to be unintrusive and not come across as a typical politician. What people told me was really interesting.

People wanted a cleaner, nicer area to live in. People wanted local roads to be fixed, they wanted a reduction in fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour. People wanted more health and wellbeing services near them

Abuse and intolerance won’t hold me back

I did face inaccurate and racist comments on social media, based on the colour of my skin as a South Asian woman. This included one person saying it was pointless voting for me as my indefinite leave to remain would be revoked, even though I am a UK citizen. Whilst I knew putting myself forward as a candidate could sadly lead to abuse and intolerance, I won’t let all of this hold me back. If I did, I would be letting those people win. I believe if I don’t do something, then who will? I know that if those people experienced what they did to me, they wouldn’t like it.

Overall, my election experience was positive. Lots of people were friendly, and keen to tell me what can change for the better.

Improving streets and better access

People were passionate about improving our high streets, with a greater variety of shops, better parking and better accessibility.

It’s clear there are plenty of local access issues to improve across the UK, including in Wednesbury. People with a range of impairments told me it’s hard for disabled to get around. Too many shops and buildings are inaccessible, and there are not enough dropped kerbs for wheelchair users. But people are keen for change. And we can work together to make the change.

Feeling positive and motivating others

I am feeling positive about the future. Even if I don’t get in at the next local election, at least I’ll be able to say I gave it a shot. Maybe I’ll motivate the next Gina who could also take positive action for others.

My key message to the new Prime Minister and new government is simple. With the right support, disabled people can thrive. So please recognise that we need that support.
Gina Patel