Baku — September 7, 2025
From Baku to Westminster: How Parvin Guseynova Became a Voice for Azerbaijan in British Politics
Parvin Guseynova’s journey from an ambitious student in Azerbaijan to a prominent figure in the political world of the United Kingdom is a story of persistence, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility to her homeland. Today she heads an international public policy consultancy in London, but her career is rooted in experiences that link Azerbaijan with Britain’s corridors of power.
From Baku Classrooms to London Boardrooms
Born and raised in Azerbaijan, Guseynova remembers being captivated by economics textbooks and encyclopedias, collecting certificates as if they were trophies. After completing her studies at Baku State University and Azerbaijan State University of Economics, she worked in banking while pursuing education in parallel — a sign of the determination that would define her later career.
In 2011, she moved to Britain for a master’s degree in international economics and later earned a second diploma at University College London. It was there, she recalls, that her fascination with politics truly began. Yet breaking into one of the world’s most competitive political systems proved daunting: repeated applications to Parliament ended in rejection due to her lack of local experience.
Instead of giving up, she volunteered at her local Conservative Party office. The gamble paid off. When then-Prime Minister Theresa May announced a snap election in 2017, Guseynova was brought into the central campaign team. “That moment was a breakthrough,” she says to Azertaj.
Rising in the Conservative Ranks
Her first tasks were modest — answering phones, coordinating call centers — but her discipline and energy stood out. Working closely with senior politicians such as David Cameron and Jeremy Hunt, she gradually earned greater responsibilities. Eventually she was appointed deputy head of the party’s candidate selection office, shaping the recruitment of future members of parliament.
“Identifying leadership potential and building platforms for tomorrow’s ministers was a responsibility I carried with pride,” Guseynova explains. It was an extraordinary rise for a woman who had arrived in the UK with little more than determination and a willingness to work harder than most.
Founding Her Own Consultancy
After years inside party politics, she shifted focus to consultancy, founding her own international firm. Her work now spans election strategy, public policy, and corporate advisory. She collaborates with think tanks across Europe and the United States, and has spoken at democratic forums in Brussels and London. Earlier this year, she joined a roundtable co-hosted by the Royal United Services Institute and Azerbaijan’s Center for Analysis of International Relations ahead of COP29 in Baku — an event she described as “a chance to link Azerbaijan’s global role with cutting-edge policy debates.”
The Challenges of Being an Outsider
Her success, however, did not come easily. “Many times I was told that, as a foreigner, I would only reach a certain level,” she recalls. “It only gave me righteous anger and the drive to prove otherwise.” That drive allowed her to overcome stereotypes and demonstrate that an Azerbaijani woman could thrive in Britain’s political system.
As she sees it, her background is now an advantage. “We are a generation that understands both East and West, and that experience is valuable in bridging divides.”
Pride in Her Roots
Although Guseynova has lived in London for 15 years, she maintains a close connection to Azerbaijan. Every summer she returns to her native Guba, which she describes as “a source of strength.” She also stays engaged with the Azerbaijani diaspora through embassy events, cultural initiatives, and professional networks.
She follows her homeland’s development closely, praising the emphasis on independence and national dignity under President Ilham Aliyev. “Those words resonate with me,” she notes. “It would be the greatest honor to one day apply my international experience to the benefit of Azerbaijan.”
On Britain’s Political Climate
Turning to her adopted country, Guseynova observes that the UK is navigating turbulence: multiple prime ministers in recent years, economic challenges, and a sharp decline in trust toward institutions. “People now demand honesty rather than gloss, accountability rather than promises,” she says. The Labour government elected in 2024 faces growing pressure to balance reform with stability.
She highlights diversity as a strength Britain must embrace. “A modern society should reflect all its voices, including those of diaspora communities,” she argues. She sees the growing presence of Caucasus-born professionals in politics, academia, and business as part of this shift.
Looking Ahead
Asked whether she intends to run for parliament, either in the UK or Azerbaijan, Guseynova does not dismiss the idea. “One day I might,” she says. “But the right to sit in parliament must be earned.” For now, she wants to deepen her expertise across sectors, pointing to lessons learned from California’s use of artificial intelligence in elections and the importance of balanced constituencies.
She also offers advice to younger Azerbaijanis abroad: begin with volunteering during elections, network relentlessly, be flexible in career choices, treat every task seriously, and never give up after setbacks. “Sincerity and perseverance are always noticed,” she insists.
A Diaspora Success Story
For Guseynova, the journey from Baku to London was never just about personal ambition. It was about proving that Azerbaijanis can shape conversations in global centers of power. Her father’s recurring question — “What have you done for your country?” — remains her guiding compass.
“When I can answer that I have brought international recognition to Azerbaijan,” she says, “that will be my greatest victory.”
