Liberal Democrat candidate for Pendle

Biography

Afzal Anwar was born in Nelson, Lancashire. His grandfather migrated to the UK in 1958 and the family have lived in Nelson ever since. Afzal is proud of his local roots in Pendle which stretch back over half a century. ''My family has operated a milk delivery business for the last 30 years in the local towns of Nelson, Colne, Brierfield, Barnoldswick and Earby''.

Afzal went to Lomeshaye Primary School, and Devereux Preparatory School on Carr Road Nelson. Afzal attended Nelson and Colne College, graduated in Law from the University of Central Lancashire in 2000, and qualified as a barrister in 2001. He is employed by a Liverpool based firm of specialist criminal defence lawyers, and is presently working for their Nelson branch.

A selection of Afzal's recent local campaigns in Pendle include fighting to keep health services local, tackling crime, promoting affordable housing, advocating environmental sustainability, fighting for increased investment in Pendle for tourism, and campaigning against post office closures. Afzal remembers the days when he worked as a paper boy and served behind the counter at his uncle Akhtar's newsagents on Carr Road in Nelson. "I used to deliver papers to many houses in the area surrounding Victoria Park and leading up to Wheatley Lane in Barrowford. It instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a social conscience because I had the opportunity to meet everyone and listen to their views." Afzal is a member of 'The Friends of Victoria Park', a group dedicated to preserving the park for the enjoyment of everyone. He says Pendle's picturesque countryside and the hardworking rural communities are blessings that we take for granted. "Due to my family's close links with the farming community and our close affiliation with them, I understand the difficulties they have in making ends meet in the present economic climate."

Afzal will do his utmost to unite all the communities of Pendle. "The different communities of Pendle can only prosper through unity. Better understanding of each other can only be achieved through people getting to know each other and open dialogue." He says communities at peace with each other will bring prosperity to Pendle. "We all want a better future for our children and grandchildren. A harmonious and prosperous future for all the people of Pendle is achievable through mutual respect and tolerance."

Afzal is a proactive member of the community, is a community representative to the Whitefield Regeneration Partnership and was one of the governors of the Ghausia Girls High School in Nelson until March 2008.

Afzal was married in 1995 at the age of 21 and is very grateful for his wife's support over the years. Afzal says that without her he would have struggled to complete his education. She is a traditional supportive wife and mother of their children, and she wants them to succeed. Afzal in his spare time enjoys playing cricket, horse riding, keeping fit, walking in the countryside and socialising with friends.

Education:

LLB (Honours), BA Humanities

Afzal worked for the Crown Prosecution Service in 2001 for almost a year on a casual basis. In August 2002 he joined David Phillips and Partners as in house barrister. Afzal has appeared in high profile criminal cases including the Rhys Jones murder trial in Liverpool. Afzal commuted to Liverpool for 6 years before transferring to the firm's Nelson branch.

Afzal joined the Liberal Democrats whilst studying for his law degree at university. He was strongly attracted to the Liberal Democrat values of liberty, equality and community. Afzal is politically motivated to challenge social injustice. He believes in freedom and opportunity for all combined with responsible citizenship. Afzal considers himself fortunate to have never lacked personal ambition or self belief and wants everyone in Pendle to have the opportunities that he has enjoyed. "My campaign will be based on positives not negatives. I hope that throughout my campaign and beyond I can inspire other people to believe in themselves and fulfil their own potential. My goal is for Pendle to become a cohesive and prosperous community, a community that is at ease with itself."