Merton’s latest recruit to the House of Lords hailed his late father as his inspiration this week.
By David Jamieson
Merton’s latest recruit to the House of Lords hailed his late father as his inspiration this week.
The Prime Minister’s offer of a life peerage to Conservative councillor Tariq Ahmad, of Wimbledon Park ward, was formally announced on November 19.
Councillor Ahmad, who will become Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, said on Monday he was delighted by the news but wished he could share his joy with his father.
“Sadly for me my father, who was a personal mentor, an absolute pillar of strength for me, he sadly passed away 18 months ago,” he said.
“So it was tinged with a degree of sadness that my father wasn’t here to see this but I hope somewhere, wherever he is, he’s watching over me.
“I still believe he is and that he’s sharing in the happiness for my family and friends and I hope for the community as well.”
Councillor Ahmad will be formally introduced into the House of Lords in January and has pledged to be a voice for Merton in the House.
He has no plans to leave his post but will step aside if he feels he can no longer exercise his local responsibilities effectively.
“If you’re asking me is there an imminent by-election in the immediate few months? No, that’s not the case,” he said.
“Obviously you get used to a new way of working and I’ll be realistic as to what my responsibilities are.
“Because I’m not one to keep responsibilities or assume responsibilities and not do anything with them.”
Councillor Ahmad currently holds the posts of Vice Chairman for the Conservative Party (Cities) and is the first member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association to receive a peerage.
Merton’s other House of Lords representative is Labour peer Baroness Margaret McDonagh of Mitcham and Morden.
