There are at least nine Portuguese candidates in the British local elections on May 5, the highest number ever, reflecting the growing interest in the political participation of immigrants and Portuguese descendants, which was welcomed by the Portuguese government.
“Political participation is one of the most determining factors in the successful integration of Portuguese communities into society. When this involvement occurs, it means that there is full integration. Therefore, I see this as a very positive factor,” said Paulo Cofofo, Foreign Secretary for Portuguese Communities, to Agência Lusa.
The Madeiran politician said that “the greatest evolution will continue for Portuguese and Portuguese who want to participate in political life” and that “encouragement is needed”. [para] This could happen in the next election. “
Who are the nine candidates?
Diego Costa23 years old, youngest candidate for councilor in city council [Council] He is running for the first time in the Lambeth constituency in south London [ward] Oval.
Even at the Lambeth and ‘Labor’ competitions Sarina da Silva41, a political newcomer in the Waterloo and Southbank constituencies.
Sofia de Sousa32, is running for the Conservative Party for the second time in the Blackwall & Cupid Town constituency in the Tower Hamlets Chamber in East London, which lost the election four years ago.
lusodescendant Lucia Das Neves Woodside will seek re-election to the ‘Labor’ party in the town of Harringe, north of the British capital, for the Ward constituency.
Outside the capital Januario Guzmவோo And Diego Rodriguez32, candidates for the Conservative Party for the Bridgewater City Council in Somerset, southwest England, for the Eastover and Bridgewater East & Powtrip constituencies, respectively. RodriguezThe former mayor of the village in 2018, the first Portuguese to accept such a position in the UK, is the most experienced mayor of Portuguese descent, having accumulated seven years in office.
Diego ChorisThe 43-year-old was re-elected councilor last year [city councillor] For Littlemore, a suburb of Oxford, he will run again this year due to a reshuffle of constituencies, this time for a four-year term.
Consultant for Portuguese Communities in Wales, Yolanda Banu VikasThe 48-year-old, after a failed attempt in 2017, is now a candidate in the village of Rexham for the Welsh nationalist Blight Zimru party in the Ertik constituency.
In Scotland, for the first time, a Portuguese candidate, Martha Matos Costa44, running for the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the Liberton / Kilmordon area of Edinburgh.
The fourth European community in the country
In the UK, 4,360 seats will be up for grabs in 146 municipalities, 1,227 in 32 constituencies in Scotland and 1,200 in 22 municipalities in Wales.
Local elections in the UK are held almost every year, but in different municipalities or constituencies.
As a councilor, Carla Barreto, 43, was elected independent mayor of Thedford village in the east of England in 2019, and served one year.
The Portuguese community in the United Kingdom is estimated to be about 400 thousand people, the fourth largest in Europe after Poland, Romania and Italy.
“Total creator. Devoted tv fanatic. Communicator. Evil pop culture buff. Social media advocate.”
