Conservative Friends of India (CF India) is pleased to announce the appointment of The Rt Hon Sir Oliver Dowden CBE MP and Koolesh Shah as its new Co-Chairs, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
Sir Oliver Dowden MP is a senior Conservative parliamentarian who has held several key positions in government, including Deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. A longstanding friend of the British Indian community, Sir Oliver has consistently championed the values of enterprise, family and opportunity that form the foundation of CF India’s mission.
Koolesh Shah is a highly regarded entrepreneur, hotelier, and philanthropist, best known as the founder of London Town Group. Beyond the boardroom, he is deeply involved in philanthropy and community development, championing initiatives that support education, social mobility, and empowerment within underrepresented communities. His passion for bridging business success with social responsibility makes him a powerful advocate for British Indian interests. Mr Shah brings to CF India not only business acumen but also a heartfelt commitment to public service and community cohesion.
Together, Sir Oliver and Mr Shah bring a wealth of experience from politics, business, and public life. Their joint appointment reflects CF India’s continued commitment to fostering stronger ties between the Conservative Party and the British Indian community — both in the UK and globally.
Their appointment follows the departure of Ameet Jogia MBE and Reena Ranger OBE, who served with distinction and helped guide CF India through a period of growth and renewed national relevance.
In a joint statement, the new Co-Chairs said:
“It is a privilege to take on this responsibility and build on the outstanding work of Ameet and Reena. Conservative Friends of India plays a vital role in ensuring that the voice of the British Indian community is heard, valued, and represented in the political mainstream.
We are committed to deepening that engagement, supporting the next generation of leaders, and continuing to celebrate the values we share — from entrepreneurship to public service, and from community cohesion to our enduring ties with India.”
[Photo: Sir Oliver Dowden CBE MP and Koolesh Shah]