The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and that has been my experience. As a woman of African descent, juggling my various roles as a wife, mother, friend, community activist, and full-time professional who is committed to my career and personal development, my journey into politics is both challenging and highly rewarding.
Having seen the prejudice that some women and BAME politicians experience I was initially reluctant to become involved in politics.
I have always believed that voting is my basic civic duty, so my first step was being committed to casting my vote at every election.
Like many others, I was influenced by my family and friends’ political opinions but as I became more involved in politics, scrutinising the policies of the UK’s political parties, my views have firmly become my own.
I find myself aligned with the Conservative Party on several key issues - a United Kingdom Not a Divided Kingdom, the importance of family values, and welfare where needed. I was delighted to become an active member of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, attending association meetings, regional and national party conferences, and the count at the last general election with my 4 month old baby. I now find myself taking the next step, standing as a candidate for the upcoming Thorniewood by-election and with the support of my family, friends, the local BAME community and my colleagues within the party, I look forward to the challenges ahead.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party has been very welcoming and provide great support for women and BAME members. I am so pleased that the Scottish Conservatives friends of BAME are supporting me, through their ‘Mentor Buddy Scheme’ providing direct mentoring from one of their Board members, Cllr Ade Aibinu.
I am so glad I took my first step into politics and I hope it will encourage others to take theirs too.
Oyebola Ajala as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming Thorniewood by-election. She is a hardworking, passionate campaigner and would make an outstanding local representative should she be successful on the 19th November.
Oyebola will be out delivering her first leaflet soon which will detail her key priorities for the area. Please look out for further information regarding Oyebola’s campaign.
Facebook: @Oyebola4Thorniewood
Twitter: @OyebolaAjala