London: Navendu Prabhat Mishra, born on August 22, 1989, has made a significant mark in British politics as a Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) for the Stockport constituency since his election in 2019. With his roots deeply embedded in Indian heritage, Mishra’s journey from the bustling streets of Kanpur to the distinguished halls of the British Parliament is both remarkable and inspiring.
Parents from Kanpur-Gorakhpur
Navendu Mishra’s parents hail from Gorakhpur and Kanpur, respectively, prominent cities in Uttar Pradesh, India. His early education began in Kanpur and continued in Baroda before he moved to the United Kingdom with his family in 1998-99. He received his private education at Clifton College in Bristol, a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence. Furthering his education, Mishra also attended the University of Hull and Keele University.
Professional Beginnings
Before venturing into politics, Mishra worked for the John Lewis Partnership and later for UNISON, where he was a dedicated shop floor trade unionist in Stockport. His commitment to worker’ rights saw him rise to the position of an organizer for UNISON, where he played a crucial role in organizing care workers employed under precarious conditions.
MP from Labour Party
Mishra’s political journey took a definitive turn when he co-founded Stockport Momentum and ardently supported Jeremy Corbyn in the 2015 and 2016 Labour Party leadership elections. His growing influence within the Labour Party was evident when he served in the National Executive Committee (NEC) from September 2018 until December 2019. However, upon his election as an MP, he had to relinquish his NEC membership due to eligibility rules.
Poltical Journey
In the 2017 snap general election, Mishra contested the Hazel Grove constituency, where he finished third. Despite the setback, his political career gained momentum when he was selected as Labour’s candidate for Stockport in the 2019 general election. The incumbent, Ann Coffey, had left the Labour Party over disagreements with Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, joining Change UK. Mishra seized this opportunity and was elected to Parliament with a significant majority, securing 52% of the vote.
A member of the Socialist Campaign Group, Mishra endorsed Rebecca Long-Bailey in the 2020 Labour leadership election. In a bold move, he resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Angela Rayner in October 2020, choosing to vote against the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill, defying the Labour will to abstain. Mishra’s commitment to his principles was further evident during the 2021 Batley and Spen by-election, where he accused his own party of a “hierarchy of racism” highlighting issues of religious and racial attacks.
Family Celebrates
Despite his political responsibilities and life in the United Kingdom, Navendu Mishra remains deeply connected to his Indian roots. His family, residing in Aryanagar, Kanpur, has always been a pillar of support. His cousin, Dr. Himanshu Mishra, a medical officer at Shivrajpur Community Health Center (CHC), shared the family’s joy and pride following Navendu’s re-election. The family’s residence near Ganges Club in Aryanagar became a hub of celebration as news of his victory spread. His elder brother, Vidhu Shekhar Mishra, despite his health challenges, was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing of his brother’s victory. The family’s elation was shared by relatives and neighbors alike, celebrating the achievements of their very own representative in the British Parliament.
