Sajeesh Tom
Indian-born British politician and community leader
Sajeesh Tom is a prominent Malayali public figure in the United Kingdom who has built a reputation through years of community service and civic engagement. His journey from supporting local community initiatives to holding public office reflects his commitment to representing diverse communities and strengthening local governance. He is regarded as one of the notable Malayali-origin political leaders making an impact in British public life.
Key Facts
• Full Name: Sajeesh Tom
• Birthplace: Kerala, India
• Profession: Politician, Community Leader
• Political Affiliation: Conservative Party (UK)
• Current Role: Councillor in Hampshire, United Kingdom
A Malayali Making His Mark in British Public Life
For many Malayalis living abroad, success is often measured through achievements in healthcare, business, technology, or education. Yet, every so often, a story emerges that goes beyond professional accomplishment and enters the realm of public service. The journey of Sajish Tom is one such story.
Over the past two decades, Sajish has become a familiar figure within both the British public sphere and the Malayali community in the United Kingdom. His recent appointment as Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council marks a significant milestone, not only in his own life but also in the growing political presence of Malayalis in Britain.
His rise reflects years of dedication to community work, civic engagement, and local leadership—qualities that have steadily earned him the trust of voters and colleagues alike.
Roots in Kerala
Sajish Tom traces his roots to Ayyanamparambu in Chempu, near Vaikom in Kerala’s Kottayam district. Like countless Malayalis who sought opportunities overseas, he eventually made the United Kingdom his home while maintaining strong ties with his native land.
His family later settled in Thekkan Paravoor near Udayamperoor in Ernakulam district, a connection that continues to keep him closely linked to Kerala despite living thousands of miles away.
The values that shaped him in Kerala—community spirit, hard work, and social responsibility—would later become defining features of his public life in Britain.
Building a Life Through Service
Long before entering politics, Sajish established himself through community involvement and professional commitment.
He works in the administrative division of Basingstoke NHS Hospital, part of Britain’s highly respected National Health Service. Working within the NHS offers a unique understanding of public needs and community welfare. It is an environment where service to people is not a slogan but a daily responsibility.
Colleagues and community members often describe him as someone who understands both policy and people. That ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds would later prove valuable in local government and public administration.
Alongside his professional responsibilities, Sajish became deeply involved in trade union activities. Over the years, he served in several important positions within UNISON, one of the UK’s largest and most influential trade unions.
His roles included Branch Chairperson, Labour Link Officer, member of the South East Regional Finance Committee, and member of the Regional Welfare Committee. These responsibilities gave him extensive experience in leadership, negotiation, and advocacy—skills that naturally complemented his later political career.
A Strong Voice in the Community
For more than twenty years, Sajish has remained actively involved in community organisations across the UK.
Among Malayalis, he is perhaps best known for his contributions to YUKMA, the umbrella organisation representing numerous Malayali associations across Britain.
He served as National General Secretary of YUKMA during 2015 and 2016 and later spent four years as the organisation’s National Public Relations Officer.
Those roles placed him at the centre of numerous cultural, social, and charitable initiatives. Whether organising community programmes, supporting local associations, or representing Malayalis at public events, Sajish became known as someone willing to dedicate time and energy to causes that benefited others.
His commitment extended beyond the Malayali community. He served three consecutive terms as Treasurer of the Basingstoke Multicultural Forum, helping strengthen relationships among different cultural communities in the region.
His efforts earned widespread appreciation and, in 2012, he received the Mayor’s Voluntary Award in recognition of his outstanding community service.
Entering Local Politics
Sajish’s move into politics was a natural progression rather than a sudden career shift.
Years spent working with people, understanding community concerns, and participating in civic organisations gave him firsthand knowledge of local issues.
In 2021, he was elected to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, representing the Popley ward. Voters responded positively to his practical approach and visible community presence.
Unlike many politicians who become known only during election campaigns, Sajish had already spent years building relationships within the community. As a result, he quickly established himself as one of the borough’s most trusted councillors.
His electoral performances reflected that trust. Election after election, he secured strong mandates from local residents.
A Landmark Political Achievement
The year 2026 proved particularly significant in Sajish Tom’s public life.
During the May 2026 Hampshire County Council elections, Sajish contested the Basingstoke North division. The political landscape had become increasingly competitive, with traditional voting patterns being challenged by emerging parties and changing voter preferences.
Many political observers believed the Labour Party would face an uphill battle in retaining the seat. Yet Sajish delivered a remarkable victory, becoming the only Labour Party candidate elected to Hampshire County Council in that election cycle.
The result attracted attention well beyond local politics.
Winning a County Council seat was a major achievement in itself. Soon afterward, Sajish reached another important milestone when he was sworn in as the Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in May 2026.
Holding positions in both a County Council and a Borough Council at the same time is relatively uncommon in British local government. Becoming Deputy Mayor while serving in both roles makes the achievement even more noteworthy.
For many within the British-Malayali community, the moment represented the culmination of years of dedicated community service, grassroots engagement, and public leadership. It also marked another important step in the growing representation of Malayalis in British civic and political life.
A Proud Moment for the Malayali Diaspora
Malayalis have long been successful in British healthcare, business, education, and entrepreneurship. Political representation, however, has historically been more limited.
Only a small number of Malayalis have held mayoral or deputy mayoral positions in the United Kingdom. With his appointment, Sajish joined a select group of community leaders who have reached these prestigious civic roles.
His achievement has been widely celebrated among Malayalis across Britain and beyond.
For younger generations growing up in the UK, his success sends an important message: participation in public life matters. Civic leadership is not reserved for a select few. It is open to anyone willing to engage with their community and work consistently for the public good.
Looking Ahead
Under the traditional mayoral succession practices followed by many UK councils, Deputy Mayors often progress to become Mayors in subsequent years. As a result, Sajeesh is widely expected to be considered for the mayoral position in the future.
Regardless of what comes next, his journey already stands as an inspiring example of perseverance and public service.
From his roots near Vaikom to the council chambers of Hampshire, Sajish Tom has built a career defined by commitment to people. His story is not merely about political success. It is about community involvement, leadership, and the belief that meaningful change begins at the local level.
For the global Malayali community, he represents something increasingly important in today’s world—a citizen who has embraced his adopted country while remaining deeply connected to his heritage.
And in doing so, he has shown how service, dedication, and integrity can open doors to leadership far beyond one’s place of origin.
