Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Britain’s first turbaned Sikh MP, has been elected as the chairman of the Defence Committee in the new Parliament. Dhesi, a Labour MP representing Slough, secured 320 out of 563 valid votes in the election held on Wednesday, defeating fellow Labour MP Derek Twigg, who garnered 243 votes.
Expressing his gratitude, Dhesi stated, “I am honoured to have been elected Chair of the Defence Committee. I want to thank all those who have supported me and the whole House of Commons for placing their trust and confidence in me.” He emphasized the growing scale and complexity of threats to national security and global stability, asserting the importance of being prepared to address these challenges. As chairman, he aims to be a strong advocate for Armed Forces personnel and veterans, ensuring the government is held accountable for its primary duty of safeguarding the nation.
Dhesi has served as the MP for Slough for over seven years and was recently re-elected for a third term in the general election on July 4, 2024. His election as chairman marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) MP to hold this position, as well as the first Sikh and Punjabi to chair a UK Parliament Select Committee.
