Leela is a law graduate of Birmingham University and a qualified Barrister.  During her legal training she was elected as Local Councillor for Silhill, in Solihull, overturning a 880 majority with a 13.6% swing, the highest swing to her Party in the 2007 local elections. Within a year, Leela was appointed to the Shadow Cabinet, as Opposition Spokesperson for Healthier Communities.  She is also Scrutiny Chair.  Leela currently holds the prestigious Lloyds TSB Jewel Award for Young Leaders. Leela has been a Parliamentary Researcher at Westminster for several MPs, with Shadow responsibility for Culture, Media and Sports.  She was one of four young people selected by Parliament to attend the 2008 American Primaries. As Councillor for the last 3 years, Leela has worked with residents and the authorities to find resolutions to a range of issues, including transport, planning, anti-social behaviour and improving sports provision for young people. Leela’s interests include participating in sports (athletics, football, pool), music (piano, drumkit), meeting new people, following current issues and reading.