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Natasha Asghar, MS – Conservative, Cardiff, South Wales

 

Natasha Asghar, MS – 

Conservative, Cardiff, South Wales



Natasha Asghar was born and raised in Wales. Born in Newport, she spent most of her childhood living between both Newport and Cardiff.
Natasha has fond childhood memories. She recalls going to a very diverse school in which she felt comfortable with her peers. She didn’t experience any racism as such from other children at her school and remembers a happy and content time during her school years.



She was always an ardent enthusiast in extra-curricular activities during her time in school. She was always at the forefront of organising events and charity work. Natasha took this quality into her adolescent life as she studied politics and social policy in the University of London, during which she flourished as an individual. She then went on to study for a master’s in Contemporary British Policy and Media from the University of London.  Her strong relationship with her parents has been a key driving force in her motivations. Within the ethnic minority community in South Wales, Natasha’s parents were very encouraging, and she has always felt grateful for having such open minded and supportive parents growing up.


“They have been my biggest strength in life. My eyes were opened to the realities of racism when I entered the world of work.”


Natasha comes from a vibrant career background. She has had a strong career in the media, her experience comprised of work in television radio and print. She has also worked in the Banking Sector before moving into Politics in the Welsh Assembly. She is able to speak five languages fluently, being English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and French.


Natasha is the first woman of colour to be elected to the Senedd as the regional member for Southeast Wales. She has always had political ambitions, wanting to follow the footsteps of her father Muhammad Asghar. Muhammad Asghar was the first ethnic minority member in the Senedd and was determined not to be the last. She was inspired by his passion for politics in Wales.



“My father wanted to see me in politics and to see me make my mark. He made such an influence on Welsh politics, and I hope to do the same. I want to carry on his legacy. He always said it was important to be a person first and a politician second. His kindness shined through”.


“I feel proud an honoured to be the first woman of colour to be elected to the Senedd in Wales”.


“I want to change people’s perceptions of diversity and encourage others of ethnic minorities in Wales to get into politics. It is important to see people represented in the Senedd. This is when we will be able to see some real change and build strong relationships between the parties and the people.”


“I realise that this is an arduous task and things need to be improved, but I am impressed by how diversified the Senedd is already becoming. We’re heading in the right direction.”


“I am also passionate about the diversification of the media. More from ethnic minorities need to be represented on screen. There are barriers in certain areas more than others, that need to be broken. There needs to be a genuine openness and encouragement for new talent.”


Natasha has done multiple interviews or BBC, ITV, The South Wales Argus, The National, The Caerphilly Observer, the Welsh magazine Golwg and appeared on Sharp End. She was also the first Member of the Senedd to be interviewed by GB News and was named a ‘Force for Change’ by British Vogue.

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