Sara Gezdari, a former refugee from Albania, is vying to become the Conservative candidate for London mayor, aiming to enhance safety for the capital’s residents, reports BritPanorama.
Having fled civil unrest in Albania in 1997, Gezdari’s early experiences are profoundly shaping her political agenda. Now a 42-year-old businesswoman and single mother, she is on the shortlist to represent the Tories in the 2028 mayoral election.
Ms Gezdari, who once stood for parliament in Richmond Park, has become an emerging figure within the party, despite her past as a newcomer in the UK. Her family fled Albania during a tumultuous period marked by armed conflict and societal upheaval, memories of which she carries with her.
“Growing up in Albania, my childhood was dominated by fear and uncertainty,” she recounted. “There were times when we couldn’t go outside without a male protector, due to the very real threats against young girls.”
Currently, Conservative Party members in London are set to vote on whether Gezdari, alongside other candidates like former foreign secretary Sir James Cleverly, will represent them in the upcoming election.
Although her political journey has roots in her traumatic upbringing, Gezdari is keen to focus on present issues affecting Londoners. She criticizes the current mayor, Sadiq Khan, for prioritizing outdated narratives over pressing challenges such as unemployment.
“Khan is caught up in past events, obsessing over Brexit and historical injustices,” she stated. “In contrast, we have urgent issues like the 349,000 unemployed individuals in London that need immediate action.”
Her connection to the UK deepened before her birth when her father, a former professional footballer, was offered a contract in Northern Ireland. He was forced to forsake this opportunity upon threats from the Albanian government regarding family safety.
Gezdari has observed that her political ambitions are intertwined with her personal experiences, fueling her determination to advocate for law and order, personal freedoms, and the economic vitality of London.
“I believe my son should have the opportunity to thrive in any country, without facing barriers because of his background,” she asserted. Her policy agenda includes increasing police presence in crime hotspots and endorsing a tougher stance on immigration.
She acknowledges her unique perspective as a success story of immigration while recognizing the complications of recent migration trends. “We must differentiate between those who enhance our society and those who exploit it,” she remarked.
In recent exchanges within party dynamics, Gezdari rebuked insinuations that ethnic background should determine one’s identity as British. “I firmly oppose the idea that one’s ethnicity defines their belonging,” she emphasized, reinforcing a broader view on nationality that transcends geographical origins.
Ultimately, Gezdari’s candidacy represents not just her aspirations, but also a reflection on her journey from war-torn Albania to the political landscape of London, where she seeks to influence change with a blend of pragmatism and personal insight.
As the race for the Conservative candidacy unfolds, her unique narrative will undoubtedly resonate amid the diverse voices vying for London’s leadership.
