By Godson Azu
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — I was privileged and honoured to attend a private constituency fundraising dinner in Waterloo, London, at the invitation of my good friend, Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan MP, Member of Parliament for Burnley and Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Rt. Hon. Hamish Falconer MP, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations.
The dinner brought together parliamentarians, political associates, community representatives and distinguished guests in a show of support for Oliver Ryan’s constituency work and his continued engagement with the people of Burnley. The gathering also provided an opportunity for guests to contribute towards constituency-related activities and preparations for any potential early general election.
Senior Parliamentarians and Distinguished Guests in Attendance
Among the notable figures present were Rt. Hon. Hamish Falconer MP, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations; Rt. Hon. Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister for AI; and Rt. Hon. Afzal Khan MP, alongside other parliamentarians and political associates.
Minister for AI, Kanishka Narayan MP, addressing guests
With the Minister of State for AI and Oliver MP.
Also in attendance were my good friend, Prof. Kishan Devani BEM; Lord John Hannett of Everton; Mr Ahmed of Platinum Educations, Mr Omar Hussain; Janet Mulu; and several other distinguished guests drawn from parliamentary, professional and community networks, including individuals connected with the Burnley constituency.
With my very good friend, The Lord John Hannett CBE. The Baron of Everton.
The presence of these distinguished guests reflected the importance of political networks, personal relationships and community engagement in supporting the work of elected representatives. Beyond the formal responsibilities of Parliament, constituency work requires sustained interaction with residents, local organisations and other stakeholders to understand community priorities and advance local interests.
Fundraising to Support Constituency Engagement
A central purpose of the evening was to raise funds to support Oliver Ryan’s constituency activities. The programme featured the sale of raffle tickets and an auction of significant items, providing attendees with opportunities to participate in the fundraising effort.
Oliver Ryan MP and his boss, Hamish Falconer MP, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations.
Such events can help mobilise financial and personal support for constituency engagement, particularly during periods of heightened political activity. They also provide a platform for supporters and professional networks to come together, exchange ideas and discuss the responsibilities associated with public service.
With the possibility of a snap general election forming part of the political considerations surrounding the event, the fundraising dinner offered an opportunity to prepare for potential electoral developments while maintaining attention on constituency-related priorities.
A Continuing Relationship with the London Political Summit and Awards
Oliver Ryan MP has supported the Annual London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA) over the past several years. His engagement with the Summit has contributed to the relationship between parliamentary stakeholders and the wider network of individuals and institutions participating in its discussions on leadership, governance, diplomacy, trade, investment and sustainable development.
As Convener of the London Political Summit and Awards, I value the relationships built through this platform and the opportunities they create for constructive engagement across political, business, diplomatic and civil society communities.
I was particularly pleased to join other guests in recognising the importance of maintaining relationships that encourage dialogue, collaboration and engagement with public institutions.
Prof. Kishan Devani BEM, who has played a significant role within the Summit’s advisory network, was also present at the dinner. His attendance further highlighted the connections between the event and the broader network of professionals and stakeholders associated with the LPSA.
Solidarity, Friendship and Public Service
For me, the evening was more than a fundraising occasion; it was also an opportunity to reaffirm a valued personal relationship and recognise the importance of supporting constructive constituency engagement.
Political leadership involves responsibilities that extend beyond Westminster debates and parliamentary proceedings. It also requires a continuing commitment to listening to constituents, maintaining community relationships and responding to local needs. Fundraising gatherings of this nature provide one avenue through which supporters can contribute to the resources and networks available to an elected representative.
I extend my appreciation to Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan MP for the invitation and to all the distinguished guests who attended and contributed to the evening’s activities.
As a friend and as Convener of the London Political Summit and Awards, I look forward to continued engagement with Oliver Ryan and other parliamentary colleagues on issues of leadership, democratic participation, good governance and community development.
The evening in Waterloo was a reminder of the value of personal relationships, professional networks and civic participation in public life. It also reinforced the importance of sustaining meaningful connections between elected representatives and the communities they serve.
By Godson Azu
International Development Expert | Global Affairs Analyst | Leadership and Good Governance Consultant | Convener, Annual London Political Summit and Awards
