MP makes history as first female Muslim minister
AN MP born in Birmingham has made history by becoming the first Muslim woman to speak as a government minister in the House of Commons.
Nusrat Ghani spoke from the despatch box in her new role as a Transport Minister.
She was awarded the job by Prime Minister Theresa May in her recent reshuffle.
Ms Ghani was born in Birmingham to immigrant parents from Kashmir and studied at Birmingham City University.
She was the Conservative candidate for Birmingham Ladywood in the 2010 general election, but lost to Labour candidate Shabana Mahmood.
Ms Ghani finally became an MP in 2015 when she was elected to represent Wealden, in East Sussex.
She said: “Today marks an important moment for me, as the first female Muslim Minister to stand at the despatch box in the House of Commons. As many people know, this year is also a significant milestone in this country, as 2018 marks 100 years of votes for women.
“I hope that today young people can see that, regardless of their background, heritage or faith, there will be a warm welcome on the green benches – and no matter where you are from, you can achieve your dreams and ambitions.
“I am thrilled to be a Minister at the Department for Transport, which is working hard to encourage more diversity in the transport sector. I’m excited to meet head on the opportunities and challenges that this new role this will bring.”
Sayeeda Warsi became the first Muslim woman to attend Cabinet in 2010 as a member of Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron’s government, but she was a member of the House of Lords rather than the House of Commons.