On 7 May 2026, residents in the Norwood Green ward will vote to choose who represents them at Ealing Council.
EALING.NEWS has asked all candidates standing to become a councillor, 7 questions about who they are, what they hope to deliver and why they want residents to vote for them.
Here’s what Jahangir Raina, standing for Ealing Community Independents in Norwood Green, has to say:
Tell us a bit about yourself, your priorities for the ward and why you want to be councillor for Norwood Green?
I have lived in the Norwood Green area since 1991 – first in the Havelock area until 1996 and later near Norwood Green Park. Professionally, I work for a Japanese conglomerate where I manage a team of engineers working in data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Through my work with data, I have had the opportunity to analyse large public datasets related to crime, deprivation, and environmental issues such as fly-tipping. This has given me a clear perspective on where Norwood Green – and Ealing more broadly – stands compared with other boroughs across the country. What has become increasingly clear to me is that the standard of living in Norwood Green has deteriorated in recent years. Addressing this decline and improving everyday conditions for residents is one of the main reasons I am standing to serve as councillor.
What motivates you?
In simple terms, community service motivates me. Over the years I have pursued different paths – entrepreneurship, academic work, sports, and professional leadership – but community work stands out as the most meaningful source of motivation for me. It brings a genuine sense of purpose and fulfilment when you know your efforts are contributing to the wellbeing of others.
What is your own personal connection to either Norwood Green or any other part of the borough?
My connection to Norwood Green is straightforward: I live here and have done so for many years. I first moved to the area in 1991 and, although there were short periods elsewhere, I have collectively lived in Norwood Green for nearly two decades. It is a community I know well and care deeply about.
What do you consider to be your 3 top political, work or personal achievements and what impact have they had?
One of my early achievements was during my career as a telecoms industry analyst. I produced research that gained significant recognition within the sector and was cited by major publications such as the Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal. As a young analyst, seeing my work referenced in international media was both rewarding and motivating.
Another major professional achievement was leading a biometric data collection project involving over three million individuals. Managing a project of that scale required coordinating more than 300 personnel and demonstrated my ability to manage complex initiatives and large teams.
Finally, in the area of public policy and social impact, I led an ICT advocacy group that worked with government to shape policies aimed at developing the technology sector. Those efforts helped create opportunities for entrepreneurs and contributed to the creation of thousands of new jobs.
What do you consider to be the top 3 challenges Norwood Green faces and how will you as a councillor address them?
One of the most visible challenges in Norwood Green is parking pressure. This has been made worse by new high-density developments around Southall station and other areas where parking provision has not kept pace with population growth. There are also parking challenges near schools and places of worship. Addressing this will require more tailored Controlled Parking Zone policies and a fairer approach to permits, including considering support for households’ first vehicle.
A second challenge is the limited road access for parts of the ward, particularly the Havelock and Toplocks areas. These neighbourhoods have grown significantly but still rely largely on a single exit onto Merrick Road. This raises concerns for emergency access and traffic management. Exploring additional access routes, possibly towards Tentelow Lane or through nearby industrial areas, should be examined seriously.
The third issue is antisocial behaviour and crime. While fly-tipping remains a concern across the ward, I believe antisocial behaviour – including drug misuse and break-ins – requires urgent attention. Working closely with local police and community groups to improve visibility, prevention, and reporting will be a priority.
What do you love about Norwood Green and the borough of Ealing?
What I appreciate most about Norwood Green is its green spaces. Areas around Norwood Green Park and the canal offer beautiful natural surroundings. When these spaces are properly maintained, they provide wonderful places for residents to walk, relax, and spend time outdoors, especially during the summer. With the right investment in amenities, these natural assets can play a larger role in strengthening community wellbeing.
As for Ealing more broadly, I value its diversity, its history, and its connectivity. It is a borough with a rich cultural mix and strong links to the rest of London and beyond, including its proximity to Heathrow Airport.
How accessible will you be to Norwood Green residents and how can they get in contact with you now and if elected how will you ensure you are accessible to them in the future?
While many outcomes depend on council decisions collectively, what I can commit to personally is the time and dedication required to represent residents effectively. If elected, I would hold regular weekly surgeries so residents have a clear opportunity to raise issues directly.
At the same time, I believe councillors should not wait for residents to come to them. I would also carry out regular door-to-door surveys and outreach across the ward so that those who cannot attend formal meetings still have their voices heard.
Residents can contact me now by email at JRaina@mail.com, and I would continue to maintain open communication channels if elected.
Click here for all Norwood Green candidates standing.
Full coverage of the 2026 Ealing Council local elections and candidates standing can be found here.
