Faiza Shaheen is a prominent figure in the UK, known for her work as an economist, writer, and political candidate.
This article aims to provide an extensive overview of her life, career, and the most frequently asked questions about her.
Early Life and Education
- Born: 1982, Whipps Cross, Leytonstone, England.
- Education: Attended Chingford Church of England Primary School, Chingford Foundation School, and Sir George Monoux College.
- Higher Education: Studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at St John’s College, Oxford University. Later, she earned an MSc in Research Methods & Statistics and a PhD from the University of Manchester.
Career Highlights
- Early Career: Started at the Centre for Urban Policy Studies, University of Manchester.
- Advocacy and Research: Worked with the New Economics Foundation and Save the Children UK.
- Leadership: Served as the director of the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS).
- Academia: Visiting Professor in Practice at the International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics.
Parliamentary Candidacies
- 2019 General Election: Stood as the Labour candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green, coming second to Iain Duncan Smith.
- 2024 Candidacy: Initially selected but later deselected by the Labour Party National Executive Committee due to controversy over social media posts.
Political Positions
- Inequality: Shaheen has been a vocal advocate against economic inequality and has contributed to policy-making and campaigns addressing this issue.
- Social Issues: Her work covers debates on austerity, immigration, youth unemployment, and social mobility.
Personal Life
- Family: Daughter of a car mechanic from Fiji and a laboratory technician from Karachi, Pakistan.
- Marriage: Married to actor Akin Gazi, with whom she has one child.
Publications
- Book: Authored ‘Know Your Place’, which discusses social and economic issues.
Controversies
- Labour Party Deselection: In 2024, Shaheen faced deselection from the Labour Party due to allegations related to her social media activity.
- Public Response: The decision sparked criticism, with claims of a cull of left-wingers within the party under Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Most Asked Questions About Faiza Shaheen
What is Faiza Shaheen known for?
Faiza Shaheen is known for her expertise in economic inequality, her political candidacy, and her book ‘Know Your Place’.
Why was Faiza Shaheen deselected by the Labour Party?
She was deselected after a review of her Twitter history revealed several controversial likes over a ten-year period, including posts referencing the Israel lobby.
What has been Faiza Shaheen’s response to her deselection?
Shaheen announced her intention to challenge the decision, expressing shock and asserting her position as a fighter.
How has the public reacted to Faiza Shaheen’s deselection?
The public reaction has been mixed, with some criticizing the Labour Party for its actions, while others have supported the decision.
