A former district councilor from Hong Kong, Wu Zhao Kang, who moved to the UK three years ago, made history by becoming the first former district councilor from Hong Kong to be elected in the UK. In the recent local elections in early May, he won with 1,162 votes, representing the Liberal Democrats in the Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates ward near Reading in southeastern England. Wu’s election victory signifies not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for Hong Kong people, demonstrating their ability to integrate into the British democratic system.
This victory has inspired Wu to encourage more Hong Kong people to register as voters, participate in political parties, and engage in elections. On May 2nd, the day of the local elections, Wu took office immediately after being elected and began discussing future plans with his party, as well as familiarizing himself with the council proceedings. Stepping into the council chamber for the first time, he expressed excitement but also a sense of responsibility as he entered the realm of politics.
Wu aims to use his position to draw attention to the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights that are dear to Hong Kong people, as well as to guard against Chinese Communist Party infiltration and advocate for Hong Kong affairs. He believes in making the British society, political circles, and media pay attention to the aspirations of Hong Kong people beyond just assisting with the BNO visa issue.
As a newcomer to the UK Parliament, Wu plans not only to promote local issues within his constituency but also to help more Hong Kong people integrate into local life. He highlights the decreasing funding support from the UK central government for Hong Kong community organizations and aims to ensure their sustainability and growth at the regional level. Additionally, Wu intends to communicate with various political figures both inside and outside the Parliament, advocating for the continuation and improvement of policies such as the BNO visa scheme.
With the mandate from the voters, Wu is determined to raise awareness about Hong Kong-related matters at the Parliament and within the Liberal Democrats party. He stresses the importance of standing up for Hong Kong people’s interests on an international platform and engaging with different political parties to uphold democratic values and counter Chinese interference.
In his electoral campaign, Wu targeted residential areas with detached houses for canvassing, reaching out to residents through street stalls. Despite facing logistical challenges and physical fatigue from extensive campaigning, Wu was inspired by the support and encouragement he received from Hong Kong people living in the UK, who motivated him to persist in his efforts to connect with voters.
Reflecting on his successful campaign, Wu credits the overwhelming support from Hong Kong people as a key factor in his victory. He acknowledges the solidarity and collective spirit among Hong Kong expatriates who rallied behind him, reinforcing the sense of community and shared values that transcends cultural differences.
Looking ahead, Wu urges Hong Kong people from all walks of life to actively participate in various forms of civic engagement, including voting, demonstrations, cultural activities, and charitable contributions. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to the core values of Hong Kong and upholding the principles of democracy, freedom, and human rights, urging everyone to fulfill their civic duties in their respective roles.
In a show of solidarity, former Sha Tin district councilor Qiu Wenjun, who left Hong Kong amidst the exodus of pro-democracy district councilors in 2021, expressed his admiration for Wu’s election victory. Qiu believes that Wu’s success symbolizes the resilience and determination of Hong Kong people to make a difference wherever they go and highlights the commitment to serving the community and championing democratic ideals.
Qiu encourages fellow Hong Kong expatriates in the UK to register as voters and engage in political participation, emphasizing the importance of standing up for Hong Kong’s interests and amplifying the voices of the disenfranchised. While he personally is not considering running for office at the moment, Qiu remains dedicated to advocating for Hong Kong-related issues and supporting aspiring candidates with his experience and insights.
In conclusion, Wu Lvnan, a prominent member of the Chinese for Labour (now East & South East Asians for Labour) group, commends Wu Zhao Kang’s electoral success as a testament to Hong Kong people’s growing sense of belonging and political engagement in the UK. He notes the shifting political landscape in Hong Kong as a catalyst for more Hong Kong expatriates to participate in local politics and envisions a future where Hong Kong voices are heard at various levels of government.
As Hong Kong expatriates continue to navigate the challenges of political integration in the UK, there is a collective drive to advocate for the rights and interests of Hong Kong people, leveraging their diverse talents and experiences to foster positive change within the British political landscape. Through active involvement in community affairs and political discourse, Hong Kong expatriates strive to make a meaningful contribution to the democratic process and uphold the values they hold dear.