the RESPECT party

1. Arshad Ali

After resigning over differences from New Labour in 2005 , I founded the Respect Party in Bradford and have served as chair until the present time.

I served as a group leader on three Viva Palestina Aid Convoys from Britain to Palestine.

In 2010 I stood for parliament in Bradford West and made sure that although I did not win, I made Respect Party a household name in Bradford sowing the seeds for a future success.

I was one of the founding members of “We Are Bradford”, an inclusive and cohesive organisation set up locally with local people to celebrate all that’s positive about our city and to stand against racism.

Just recently, In 2012 I served as election agent for George Galloway and put together a team of activists that helped us win the Historical By Election victory in Bradford West.

I was one of the senior members of the selection committee with George Galloway and Salma Yaqoob set up to select our 12 candidates for the local elections on 3rd May 2012 in which 5 of our candidates got elected in Bradford Council.

I have a very good standing within my community and have earned the respect of people even in the other political parties in Bradford through my work for charity and community cohesiveness.


2. Adnan Awan 

After being involved in George’s by-election I have really seen the hunger in people for change in the city. How it has bought people and even communities together for one simple cause, change. The ever growing momentum has made it apparent that changes need to happen and quick.

It gives me great pleasure to say that I was at the forefront in the local elections as now Councillor Ruqqayah Collectors campaign manager for the city ward of Bradford. It was a real example of how a handful of young individuals could rally up enough support to take a labour seat held for over 16 years.

I strongly believe that I will be a real asset to the national council if elected. Our country needs young like minded individuals to move our party forward in the right direction and grow it from a micro-party to a mega mainstream party attractive to the masses.
3. Caroline Conway

Founder member of Respect. Full time volunteer In National Office for Respect's first year, founding conference administrator, developing membership and finance systems, project managing GLA, London Mayoral and European election materials. Moved to Bradford in 2005, organised the packed St George's Hall meeting with George and Salma that November. Election agent for Bradford Respect local elections in 2007 & 2008. Parliamentary assistant & constituency worker for George 2008 to 2010. Founder member of Viva Palestina. Founder member of Stop the War Coalition. Since 2004 have undertaken major design & admin tasks for Respect, Viva & Stop the War. 

Currently working full-time in the Anchor Housing Customer Centre in Bradford. Passionate about taking Respect forward and building on the tremendous energy and enthusiasm generated by the Bradford Spring. 

Let’s develop Respect’s policies, values and profile so we are the natural choice for all those in the UK who want to put an end to austerity and war. Seize the day!
4. David Hartley

David Hartley, 55 year old Probation Officer, lives in Leeds, married with one son at University.  I have a strong belief in public services that support and develop our communities.

I will directly challenge corporatism from the City of London that unfairly prioritises a prosperous corner of the country at the expense of our Northern counties and our small businesses.

I believe in the establishment of a humane criminal and community justice system based on prevention, restitution, rehabilitation, and reconciliation rather than vengeful punishment, forced labour, and profits for the global security corporates, such as G4S and Serco.

I want the restoration of full funding for university degree courses and for appropriate and meaningful apprenticeship schemes in prisons and our communities. We need jobs and social justice, not more private security services and private prisons.

I have a radical vision based on honest political and economic democracy, non-violence, social justice, and ecological sustainability.  I have fought throughout my life against racism, sexism, class exploitation, bureaucratic bullying, war, and all other forms of social repression and domination.

In order to ecologically harmonise society with our environment, we must begin by harmonising with each other. In short - Respect the person, respect the planet.




5. Olayemi  Fagborun 

Mrs Olayemi (Yemi) Fagborun (BA Hons Peace Studies; MA Women’s Studies) is a qualified school teacher with NCE in Business Studies.

She believes in community cohesion based on the principle of social justice which includes equal access to good quality services, working with different communities to improve key services such as housing, education, health and action against crime.

Olayemi is the CEO of Peacemaker International, a charitable organisation advancing conflict resolution through mediation, racial harmony, equality and diversity training and services. The organisation supports women and children, families, people with learning disabilities, and provides home-school mediation to combat school exclusions.

She has impacted Bradford through innovation, enabling the provision of high quality support to women, children and families. Yemi has served as a representative of the Board on the Best Value Review of a Housing Association and a Member of Best Value Review for Bradford Council and Bradford Achievement Forum. 

In May 2009, Yemi was awarded Community involvement Award 2009 at the African Achievers Awards UK. Yemi is a Bradford resident and served as Bradford West Women Officer for Labour Party for more than ten years. Yemi is a community lover, ready to serve to the best of her ability.



6. Osman Gondal

I have worked within Yorkshire for nearly 15 years and have progressed from a Management Accountant to Company Director. I am also Vice Chair at Bradford Counselling Services Ltd, Company Accountant for Hidden Homeless Ltd, Director at Viva Islam. I also run a Consultancy specialising in Design & Print, Process Management, and offer NVQ Training and Apprenticeships.

During this progression, I have been fortunate to have gained experience of a wide range of duties within a corporate environment as well as valuable knowledge on the driving forces of the voluntary and community sector. Therefore, I have gained extensive knowledge of all processes that impact people’s lives at a local, regional and national level.

I believe that the above knowledge and experience would make a positive impact to the work of the National Council and will assist in better understanding our communities.

After successfully managing the campaign for Mohammad Shabbir, Heaton Ward, Bradford in the local elections, I now have a thirst for politics and hope to continue my work with RESPECT. This success has now given me the passion to make greater strides with the RESPECT party and what it represents. If successful, I will manage all expectations of RESPECT member and will aim to raise the profile of the party on a larger scale.

If successful, I will represent all strategies and priorities of RESPECT in a professional manner and together with my breadth of experience and knowledge would ensure all local matters/challenges are dealt accordingly.

7. Ashiq Hussain 

I have been a member of respect since It was introduced to me by Arshad Ali Bradford.

I was one of the founding members of “We are Bradford” together with arshad Ali to counter the EDL when they came to our city.

I was a member of the Respect NC last year but due to severe family illnesses, have not been able to attend London meetings.

8. Dawud Islam
I have been involved in politics since the age of 16, with 15 years in the Labour Party and another 15 in the Green Party in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland. I have contested many elections including two parliamentary elections and have served as an elected Town Councillor.

I ran against George in the recent Bradford West by-election but soon realised, to paraphrase him, that we were “2 cheeks of the same FRONT side” and ought to be working together and so I was delighted to accept when RESPECT asked me to join them. I have been an active campaigner on local and national issues for years and was arrested outside the US embassy in the 1980’s for protesting against Cruise Missiles.

I still consider myself to be a socialist and make no apologies for this. I welcome a society that is truly equal and that takes no account of a persons race, religion, disability, sex or sexual orientation. I love living in the diverse city that is Bradford and I hope that being a white English muslim with a Malaysian born wife (who is herself half Indian and half Thai) that I am a living example of diversity in action. Some of you may know me by my former birth name of Dave Edler.



9. Qurban Malik

I have been a Tory most of my political career. I was a candidate for Tories in the last local elections but recently joined respect publicly.

I have various and vast experience.

I am a business man in Bradford and would like to get involved with the building of Respect movement in Bradford. 

11. Yasser Khalid Qureshi 

Coming from a politically active family that spans generations and cotenants has given me a great passion in bringing about positive change through the democratic process. I have been active in managing parliamentary campaigns on a professional level and more recently the Bradford Moor campaign for the Respect Party. Our campaign in Bradford Moor achieved the highest turnout in all 30 wards and was praised by Respect campaigners and opposition campaigns as the most organised, strategic and effective election campaign in Bradford.

I have a degree in Business Management and a Masters in International Business. Professionally I come from a business background in which I have managed a number of businesses from the age of 18. Most recently I have just left my position as a manger of a large 750 seated banqueting hall and am in the process of a new business venture in Dubai. I have skills in events management, events coordinator, strategic planning & forecasting, marketing strategies, people & team management, accounts management and sales as well as many more skills which I have applied when managing campaigns.

I believe in The Respect Party and its message and I also believe that Bradford has inspired many people to believe that there is hope for our children’s future and that there is an alternative to the establishment and that we don’t have to take the injustice that has been presented as the only option. I believe that many Britons from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths are ready for change and it is up to the Respect Party to get out there and provide a peaceful and democratic alternative and to take a nation that is struggling and to guide it to prosperity so that we can see hope in our futures and children futures. I wish to be a part of that change. 

12. Shahid Rehman

Volunteer panel member for youth offending team and Youth court visitor.

I have volunteered with elections for Respect during GG’s election and was a campaign manager for Respect candidate in Manningham. Our candidate won with a massive majority.

Worked with Arshad Ali.

And worked very closely with GG in planning the campaign teams.

13. Mohammed Shafiq

I am pleased to have the opportunity to run as a candidate for the Respect Council. Having best interests at heart, I would love to help and make a positive contribution. I am a proud born and bred Yorkshireman and would describe myself as having a great sense of humour, confidence, enthusiasm and trustworthy. I have a calm approach, a willingness to learn new things and committed to the greater good.

I believe I would be a suitable candidate on the Council and would enjoy the opportunity to represent the Respect Party at the regional and national conferences for the Yorkshire and Humberside region. My background and experience involves having worked with young people in several different capacities over the last nine years including roles both voluntary and paid as a youth worker and various roles within schools. I have worked with autistic young people, hard to reach, vulnerable and minority young girls and boys in formal and informal settings.

I would bring character to the position whilst making use of my organisational and communication skills whilst representing the views and concerns of Respect members and helping to push forward the Party’s policies in the right direction.

14. Abdul Samed Zaman

I was involved with Respect Party from 2006 campaign in which Arshad Ali and Sajad Mehmood (late) were candidates for council election. I have kept up with the impressive progress the party has made to date and keenly looking forward to further progress and development of the party. I am very passionate towards my local issues concerning my community in the areas of education, health, employment and managing diversity in terms of culture, beliefs, values and working together towards a truly respected society.

I have always encouraged others to contribute and strive towards the party’s truly wonderful global work on the humanitarian front i.e. Palestine, Kashmir and other parts of the globe. This truly represents the party’s values and global vision towards humanity at large.

I belief that I am a competent individual who can contribute my skills and knowledge to date to take the party’s ethics, values and beliefs and take the society to the state of post modernity.