In a tight and tense contest, Labour’s Dr Sahota emerged victorious by just 3,110 votes after making local health services the focus of his campaign.
By Freddy Mayhew, Helena Hickey, Liam Twomey and Jasmine Marsh
Labour’s Dr Onkar Singh Sahota believes his upset victory over former Conservative Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes is a sign the people of Ealing and Hillingdon reject the Government’s policies.
In a tight and tense contest, Dr Sahota emerged victorious by just 3,110 votes after making local health services the focus of his campaign.
“The Government has dismantled the NHS, despite opposition from all professional groups,” he said.
“As I am a practicing doctor, I made the NHS a big issue in my election campaign and the Government’s policy has been rejected by the electorate.
“I also made Ealing Hospital a big issue and I hope that my victory will be the first step in ensuring it is saved.
“My victory sends a clear signal to the government of this country that the policies adopted by them are rejected by the people.”
Dr Sahota insists his shock win over Mr Barnes, who did not attend the announcement, is proof of the public’s opposition to the Government’s laboured NHS Reform Bill.
“All the professions were against it, but the government didn’t listen,” he added.
“This was the first time there was a clear opportunity for the electorate to give their views on what they felt was happening.
“There has been no election since the general election and I think turning over 28 and a half thousand is a huge swing.
“It’s a huge vote for the NHS and a huge vote against what the government is doing in terms of its cuts and its policies.”
He continued: “I think the fact that it’s an issue that I fought on means we brought it to the front line.
“Of course the public consultation is going to take place. A proposal has been put forward about closing the A&E department and it think it’s going to have an impact.
“The fact that I have been fighting this issue and that people have voted for me means the NHS must listen to it. They cannot just dismiss the views of the people.”
Dr Sahota is also adamant the London Mayoral race is not over yet.
“I think Ken has fought a very good campaign,” he said.
“I have every faith in Ken and I think he will make a very good mayor and until the lady has sung, the lady hasn’t sung.”
Follow us on Twitter @SW_Londoner
