EXIT OF PATEL DILUTES ROLE OF BRITISH INDIANS IN UK POLITICS

LONDON: Priti Patel’s exit from a cabinet post in the Theresa May government brought an end to the short tenure of the first Indian-origin person to sit at the high table of British politics.

Patel’s stint as the international development secretary lasted a little over 15 months.

After her resignation on Wednesday, May is faced with another cabinet vacancy after Michael Fallon quit last week amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Patel’s departure for holding unauthorised meetings with top Israel leaders while on holiday – she blamed it on her ”enthusiasm” – leaves minister of state for housing and planning Alok Sharma as the only Indian-origin minister in the government.

Patel’s appointment at the cabinet level was the high point in the history of British Indian participation in politics.

As May wrote to Patel, responding to her resignation letter, “You rightly take pride in being the first British Indian Cabinet Minister – a significant achievement, which follows your work as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and Minister of State for Employment.”

C B Patel, community leader and publisher-editor of Asian Voice, told HT: “What Patel did cannot be defended, but her intentions were good. Her ambition to be party leader may have been dented temporarily but I am sure she will be back.”

Industrialist Lord Swraj Paul added: “She is a great asset to the country. I am sure she will be active again.”