Born on September 29, 1979, Miatta Nema Fahnbulleh is a British economist and politician who has made significant strides in both her professional and political careers. Fahnbulleh, a member of the Labour and Co-operative parties, was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Peckham win the 2024 United Kingdom general election and appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 9 July 2024. Her journey from an economist to an influential MP, combined with her rich Sierra Leonean and Liberian heritage, makes her a trailblazer in British politics. She provides insights into her motivations, challenges, and aspirations in an exclusive interview with Sierraeye magazine.
Early Life and Education
Miatta Fahnbulleh was born in Liberia to a Liberian father and a Sierra Leonean mother. Her family fled Liberia at the onset of the First Liberian Civil War in 1986, seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. This early experience of displacement and resilience profoundly influenced her worldview and commitment to social justice.
“My roots in Sierra Leone and Liberia have profoundly shaped my identity and worldview,” says Fahnbulleh. “Growing up, I learned the importance of community, resilience, and the value of diverse perspectives. These experiences have influenced my commitment to social justice and economic equality.”
Fahnbulleh, who shares the same name as the legendary Liberia musician, attended Beechwood Sacred Heart School, an independent school in Tunbridge Wells. She later pursued higher education at Lincoln College, Oxford, where she graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. She continued her academic journey at the London School of Economics, earning a PhD in Economic Development in 2005 with a thesis on industrial policy in Ghana and Kenya.
Professional Career
Fahnbulleh’s professional career is marked by her dedication to economic justice and policy development. She began as the Head of Cities in the policy unit at the Cabinet Office from 2011 to 2013, and later served as the Director of Policy and Research at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) from December 2016 to November 2017.
In 2017, Fahnbulleh became the Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation, a role she held until December 2023. Under her leadership, the foundation focused on developing progressive economic policies aimed at reducing inequality and promoting sustainable development.
Journey to Politics
“My journey to becoming an MP began with my work as an economist. I spent several years developing policies aimed at reducing inequality and promoting economic justice, working with organizations like the New Economics Foundation, where I served as CEO. Before this, I worked at the heart of the last Labour government, advising on economic strategy,” she explains.
Motivated by a desire to address social inequalities and make a tangible difference in people’s lives, Fahnbulleh transitioned to politics. In May 2022, she received the MotheRED grant, which supports mothers standing as parliamentary candidates for the Labour Party. By November 2022, she had been selected as the Labour candidate for Camberwell and Peckham, succeeding the long-serving and respected MP Harriet Harman.
“The biggest challenge I have faced, which I relish taking on, is changing the minds of people who think politics cannot be a force for change,” Fahnbulleh reflects.
In the 2024 general election, Fahnbulleh was elected as the MP for Peckham with a strong mandate from her constituents. Her campaign focused on local economic revitalisation, housing, and tackling crime, resonating deeply with the community.
Immediate Priorities for Peckham
Fahnbulleh’s immediate priorities for Peckham include ending the cost-of-living crisis, delivering more affordable homes, improving NHS services, tackling the climate crisis, and enhancing street safety with increased neighbourhood policing.
“To address issues like anti-social behaviour and housing shortages in Peckham, I will implement community outreach programs and support housing development projects. Collaboration with local organisations and residents is key to creating effective and sustainable solutions,” she asserts.
Engaging with the Diaspora
Understanding the importance of community, Fahnbulleh plans to engage with the Sierra Leonean and Liberian diasporas in the UK through regular community meetings and consultations. “By listening to their concerns and representing their interests in Parliament, I aim to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed,” she states.
Influence of Heritage
Her Sierra Leonean and Liberian heritage has deeply influenced her approach to public service. “My Sierra Leonean and Liberian heritage has instilled in me a strong sense of justice and community service. It has shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusive policies and the need to advocate for marginalised groups,” Fahnbulleh notes.
Long-Term Goals and Vision
Looking ahead, Fahnbulleh’s long-term goals for Peckham include fostering a thriving local economy, ensuring accessible housing for all, and creating safe neighbourhoods. Within the Labour Party, she aims to contribute to policies that promote social justice and economic equality. “Over the next few years, I envision making significant strides in improving the lives of my constituents,” she declares.
Advice to Aspiring Politicians
To young people, especially those from minority backgrounds aspiring to enter politics, Fahnbulleh offers this advice: “Stay true to your values and be persistent. Engage with your community, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the power of your voice. Your unique perspective is invaluable in shaping a better future for all.”
Miatta Fahnbulleh’s journey from an economist to an influential MP is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and commitment to social justice. Her dual heritage and professional expertise uniquely position her to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. As she continues to make her mark in British politics, Fahnbulleh remains a beacon of inspiration for many, particularly those from minority backgrounds aspiring to make a difference in their communities.