Cllr Ali Akhta

Ali Akhtar is a current Labour councillor, elected in 2021 and serving until 2029. As a second-generation British Pakistani who works as a solicitor, his political focus is on community engagement and legal aid. Akhtar brings a sharp legal mind and a deeply rooted understanding of social justice issues to the council, often highlighting how complex council policies disproportionately affect vulnerable and minority residents. He uses his professional expertise to scrutinize planning and housing regulations, ensuring they are fair and accessible to all, particularly concerning the contentious new housing developments in Ambridge. His core concern in the lead-up to the Borsetshire Unitary Authority merger is that the complex, fragmented, and aging systems will make it nearly impossible for residents to access essential information or apply for legal assistance when dealing with the new, unified bureaucracy. Akhtar is a vocal proponent of upgrading Ambridge's digital stack to ensure "digital inclusion" and a more transparent council process. He holds his councillor surgeries at the Ambridge Law Centre on the first Friday of every month, a choice that emphasizes his commitment to making legal and civic assistance readily available to his constituents.