Gina Patel

I am proud to be standing in the Wednesbury ward this year because I want to represent neighbours like you and me who aren’t seen or heard by our current councillors. Representation is still low for marginalised communities, and there is no one like me present. Even in 2026 I question why. I’m not standing for the title or for my career. I’m standing because I care. Our ward has never had an independent councillor before, and I would be proud to be the first. I know many of you want change, and so do I. Some of you may be thinking, “Why should I vote for you when I don’t even know you?” That’s a fair point. I tried the political party route, but it became apparent that politics wasn’t accessible to people like me when it should be. Politics shouldn’t be about games or point‑scoring, it should be about people’s lives, especially ours. As a South Asian disabled woman, I’ve always wanted to get into politics, but I’ve experienced many barriers. I know I’m not alone in that. These barriers aren’t about avoidance, they’re about a lack of accessibility. Part of the reason I’m standing is to improve representation, but also because I don’t want others to go through what I have. My motto has always been: “It doesn’t matter about me, what matters is that you don’t have to go through what I have.” I’m not here to say I will fight XYZ. I’m here to say I’m by your side. If I’m elected, I may hold a title, but I want to use that title only to make our community and your life better. I’m not your typical independent. I’m not here to say “don’t vote Reform” or “don’t vote Labour.” I’m not here to play the usual tactics that parties play, and I’m not going to speak at you like a politician. I’m here to speak as one human being to another. I’m ready to stand by your side, make sure you are heard in the chambers where change can happen, and put you and our community first.