Iqbal Mohamed: Independent Voice of Dewsbury and Batley

Introduction

In recent years, British politics has witnessed a growing demand for independent voices that represent communities beyond the confines of traditional party structures. Among these new figures, Iqbal Mohamed stands out as a determined and principled representative. Born and raised in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, Mohamed’s rise from engineering and consultancy to becoming the Member of Parliament for Dewsbury and Batley is a remarkable journey. His commitment to social justice, his outspoken stance on Palestine, and his ability to win as an independent candidate have made him one of the most watched politicians in the United Kingdom today.

This article explores the life, career, and political journey of Iqbal Mohamed, examining his background, beliefs, achievements, and the future he envisions for his constituents and the wider country.

Early Life and Education

Dewsbury Roots

Iqbal Mohamed was born in Dewsbury, a historic market town in West Yorkshire. His family has Indian Muslim roots, tracing its ancestry to Bharuch in Gujarat. This cultural and religious background shaped Mohamed’s perspective, giving him a strong appreciation for community values, family responsibility, and justice.

Education and Academic Journey

He attended Westborough High School and Huddersfield New College before moving on to Durham University, where he studied applied physics and electronics. Mohamed’s scientific and technical background has influenced his career choices, but also shaped his pragmatic and analytical approach to problem solving, which now plays a significant role in his political life.

Professional Career Before Politics

Before stepping into the political spotlight, Iqbal Mohamed carved out a career in engineering, manufacturing, and technology consultancy. His professional life involved:

Electrical Engineering: Applying technical expertise in manufacturing and production industries.

Business Consultancy: Advising firms on technology integration, cost efficiency, and management solutions.

Problem Solving and Innovation: Developing a reputation for applying practical solutions to complex challenges.

This solid foundation gave Mohamed credibility among constituents who value leaders with real-world experience rather than purely political careers.

The Leap into Politics

Motivation to Enter Politics

For many years, Mohamed was politically aware but not directly involved. However, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and wider Palestine issues stirred him to take a public stand. He felt that mainstream parties were failing to reflect the voices of ordinary people, particularly on matters of foreign policy, social justice, and community welfare.

Independent Candidacy

In 2024, he announced his decision to run as an independent candidate for Dewsbury and Batley in the General Election. Standing outside the traditional party system, he positioned himself as a community candidate rather than a politician beholden to party agendas.

His campaign focused on:

Palestine Solidarity: Advocating for peace and justice in the Middle East.

Cost of Living Crisis: Supporting struggling families in Dewsbury and Batley.

NHS Protection: Opposing privatisation and demanding improved healthcare services.

Housing and Local Issues: Addressing the concerns of residents with practical solutions.

Victory in Dewsbury and Batley

Election Results

Iqbal Mohamed’s victory in July 2024 sent shockwaves through the political establishment. He defeated Labour’s candidate, Heather Iqbal, with a margin of nearly 7,000 votes. This win was not only a personal triumph but also a historic milestone.

He became the first independent MP elected in Yorkshire since 1907.

His campaign demonstrated the power of grassroots movements.

His win highlighted the growing discontent with traditional party politics.

Community Support

Mohamed’s success was built on the trust and backing of local people. His grassroots campaign inspired volunteers, students, and families who believed in his vision for independent representation. This strong community connection remains at the heart of his political style.

Parliamentary Role and Contributions

Joining the Independent Alliance

In September 2024, Iqbal Mohamed co-founded the Independent Alliance, a parliamentary group created by independent MPs. The aim of this group was to increase the influence of independents in Parliament and to ensure that their communities’ voices were heard.

Policy Focus

As an MP, Mohamed has taken firm positions on key issues:

Child Poverty: He supported amendments to abolish the two-child benefit cap, recognising its impact on low-income families.

Cousin Marriages Bill: He opposed a proposed bill to ban marriages between first cousins, arguing instead for education and awareness rather than blanket bans.

Abortion Debate: He voted against decriminalising abortion beyond 24 weeks, reflecting his socially conservative stance on certain moral issues.

Advocacy for Palestine

Iqbal Mohamed’s strongest and most consistent voice in Parliament has been for Gaza and the wider Palestinian cause. He has repeatedly called for humanitarian support, peace negotiations, and recognition of Palestinian rights. This stance has drawn both admiration and criticism, but it remains central to his political identity.

Personal Qualities and Leadership Style

Independent Thinking

Mohamed has earned respect for his refusal to simply follow party lines. His independent candidacy and parliamentary voting record demonstrate a willingness to prioritise principles over popularity.

Community-Centred Approach

As someone born and raised in Dewsbury, he understands the daily struggles of local families. His accessibility and active presence in the constituency have set him apart from more distant or career-focused politicians.

Balanced Perspective

While his strong support for Palestine is widely known, Mohamed also addresses local concerns such as health services, education, and youth opportunities. This balance of global awareness and local responsibility strengthens his appeal.

Challenges and Criticism

Like all public figures, Iqbal Mohamed has faced challenges:

Scrutiny of Independence: Some critics argue that independents lack the structure and power of major parties to bring about real change.

Controversial Views: His stance on issues such as abortion and cousin marriage has divided opinion.

Pressure of Expectations: Winning as an independent created high expectations among constituents, and delivering on all promises will require time and patience.

Nonetheless, Mohamed continues to engage openly with his critics, showing resilience and determination.

Future Prospects

Strengthening the Independent Alliance

Iqbal Mohamed’s immediate political goal is to build the Independent Alliance into a meaningful parliamentary force. By collaborating with other independents, he hopes to shape debates and hold the government accountable.

Potential National Influence

Though rooted in Dewsbury and Batley, Mohamed’s rise has inspired independents across the UK. If his success continues, it may encourage more community-based candidates to challenge party dominance in future elections.

Long-term Vision

His vision combines:

Stronger community representation.

Fairer economic policies for working families.

A foreign policy rooted in justice and humanity.

Conclusion

Iqbal Mohamed’s journey from Dewsbury engineer to Member of Parliament is an inspiring story of determination, integrity, and grassroots activism. His election as an independent has shaken the political status quo, proving that ordinary people can make extraordinary changes in British politics.

Whether championing justice for Palestine, fighting against child poverty, or addressing local housing and health concerns, Mohamed has shown that independent voices can carry powerful influence. His future in Parliament remains one to watch, and his example may shape the course of independent politics in the United Kingdom for years to come.