OBV Profile: Kulveer Ranger

Ranger, 31, is currently on the list of potential candidates for Members of Parliament and in fact he says that he did not set out to be an MP but actually it is something that surfaced as a result of his work.

He is currently a senior management consultant for the Nichols Group where he advises and manages projects for companies. He was part of the core team responsible for the management and implementation of the transport Oyster Card.

For the past seven years, he says he found his various positions in management consultancy similar to politics in the way that he had to try to find solutions to problems and listen to people's needs.

In 2005 Ranger sat his first general election in Makerfield, Wigan, just outside Manchester. Although he did not win the seat he described the event as "great experience but a huge challenge".

Explaining why he joined the Conservative Party he says: "I haven't always been Conservative but I always felt I didn't believe in a socialist ideology. I feel that the Conservatives believe in freedom of speech, advancing opportunity and maximising people's potential."

Before his current profession Ranger worked in a variety of roles from IT strategy, property development, and fashion to being a resident DJ. After being spurred on by a friend he decided that the experience gained from that work would be good grounding to be a management consultant.

His political interest particularly rests in climate, transportation and regeneration; and his many responsibilities demonstrate this.

As a Conservative member Ranger is involved in the Transport Policy Group and acts as adviser to Alan Duncan, Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. He is also champion for the Women's Association and adviser on the Ethnic Diversity Council.

He has a political column in the Asian Voice newspaper and also appears on Sky News and the BBC as a political commentator.

He says: "I'm Sikh, I wear a turban and it could be to my disadvantage or advantage. Being an Asian and breaking barriers where people haven't seen Asians before like on Sky News well that is a success."
Ranger, the son of Indian parents, was born and grew up in Middlesex. He says his parents worked hard and struggled throughout his formative years.

Recalling his youth in Middlesex he adds: "I was really lucky I had a very balanced childhood, I went to a school in Hammersmith where it was mixed with all races and religions. I was blind to the fact that my friend was either Jewish or Muslim, we just grew up together."

Ranger originally decided to be an architect at an early age. In 1996 he attained a degree in Architecture from the Bartlett School of Architecture (University College of London). But it was during that time that his career direction changed.

"I studied with some very talented people but I suddenly realised I wanted to do something different. I didn't have the same passion for architecture as some people on the course."

Admiring great leaders of the time like Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela and Ghandi. He argues that there are not enough Black, Asian and Oriental youngsters involved in politics.

Challenging this Ranger regularly visits schools engaging young people on the political system. This engagement he believes continues throughout the Conservative Party.

He says that Cameron is bringing about a party which tackles issues for the future, adding that the party is showing "vibrancy and youth" which he believes is for the benefit of the country.

"Whatever happens in the next few years I will always be part of the party, whether MP or not. When you find something you have a passion for you have to give back to society" he explains.

"I've been lucky in my life so why not give something back to people who are not so lucky."