Kamala Harris, the current U.S. Vice President, garnered significant backing from Democratic National Convention delegates on Monday, positioning herself as the likely nominee for president next month, sources report. This follows President Joe Biden’s endorsement of Harris on Sunday, as he withdrew from the race amid concerns over his age and health, committing to serve until January 20, 2025.

According to an Associated Press survey, Harris has secured support from 2,538 delegates, well surpassing the 1,976 needed for the nomination, with Democratic officials aiming to finalize the nomination by August 7. While delegates still have time to reconsider their support, Harris remains unchallenged in the survey, with 57 delegates undecided.

In her first public appearance since Biden’s announcement, Harris delivered a campaign speech on Monday, pledging to confront Republican nominee Donald Trump with the tenacity of her former role as a prosecutor. Highlighting her record as California’s attorney general and a U.S. senator, Harris vowed to contrast her achievements against Trump’s actions.

Responding to Harris’ remarks, the Trump campaign criticized her as incompetent and excessively liberal, citing her past positions and policies. Trump, currently dealing with legal challenges and controversies, including charges related to election interference and financial misconduct, faces a significant electoral challenge.

Following Biden’s endorsement, Harris swiftly consolidated Democratic support, securing endorsements from influential figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the AFL-CIO labor federation. Her campaign reported a record-breaking $81 million fundraising haul within 24 hours of Biden’s exit, underscoring her momentum within the party.

As Harris prepares to campaign vigorously, she outlines policy priorities such as safeguarding abortion rights, enacting gun control measures, and revitalizing the middle class. With broad support from prominent Democrats and a clear fundraising advantage, Harris emerges as a formidable contender for the presidency, poised to reshape the electoral landscape.

A historic number of British Indian politicians secured seats in the House of Commons this week as the Labour Party staged a comeback after 14 years. Notably, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and several new faces from the Conservative Party managed to survive despite a tough electoral outcome. Kerala-born Sojan Joseph made headlines by becoming the first Labour candidate to win the Ashford constituency in its 139-year history.

In total, 28 British Indians were elected to Parliament, with the Labour party leading the charge. Veteran MPs like Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) and Lisa Nandy (Wigan) retained their seats, while Valerie Vaz, of Goan origin, won the newly formed Walsall and Bloxwich constituency.

Sojan Joseph’s victory over veteran politician Damien Green in Ashford sparked celebrations in Kerala, where he is originally from Kaipuzha in Kottayam district. Currently serving as a mental health nurse with the Kent National Health Service, Sojan has been residing in the UK since 2002.

“I am very happy. A Malayalee went there and won. He calls home every day,” Sojan’s father remarked to the media on Friday.

Among the newly elected Labour MPs were also several British Sikh representatives, including Preet Kaur Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi reclaiming their seats. Navendu Mishra (Stockport) and Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East) were among those re-elected with significant margins.

First-time Labour MPs include Baggy Shanker (Derby South), Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield), Gurinder Josan (Smethwick), Jas Athwal (Ilford South), Jeevun Sandher (Loughborough), Kanishka Narayan (Vale of Glamorgan), Kirith Entwistle (Bolton North East), Satvir Kaur (Southampton Test), Sonia Kumar (Dudley), Sureena Brackenbridge (Wolverhampton North East), Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West), and Sojan Joseph (Ashford).

Shivani Raja, an Indian-origin Tory politician, has been elected as the member of parliament for Leicester East. She triumphed over Rajesh Aggarwal, a former deputy mayor of London, in what was seen as a surprising victory given Leicester East’s long-standing reputation as a Labour Party stronghold. This marks the first time in 37 years that the constituency has chosen a Tory representative.

In the 2024 General Election, Raja secured 14,526 votes, leading by 4,426 votes ahead of Labour candidate Rajesh Aggarwal. A report by DeshGujarat highlighted Raja’s Gujarati origin and her roots in Diu. It mentioned that during the campaign, she dedicated significant time to engaging with British-Indian voters, particularly encouraging those from Diu and Gujarat to participate in online voting.

On the campaign trail, Raja connected with her heritage by performing the traditional dance form garba at events, visiting temples, and appearing with Surat mayor Daxesh Mavani to emphasize her Indian roots.

Raja’s parents relocated to Leicester from Kenya and India during the late 1970s. She completed her studies at De Montfort University, graduating with a degree in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science, and went on to work with leading cosmetics companies in England.

Raja’s victory is notable as her party performed poorly overall, winning just 121 seats compared to Labour’s landslide victory with over 400 seats. This election result ended the Tory rule and led to the resignation of outgoing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from both his position as Prime Minister and as Tory Chief.

Leicester had previously witnessed tensions between Indian and Pakistani communities following a cricket match altercation in 2022. Following the election, Keir Starmer, leader of the centre-left Labour Party, took office as the UK’s new prime minister. King Charles III officially appointed the 61-year-old former human rights lawyer during a meeting at Buckingham Palace.