Shabnum was born and brought up in Glasgow and has lived in Shawlands for most of her life. She attended Langside Primary and Shawlands Academy before going on to graduate from Glasgow University with a 1st class honours degree in Politics.
Shabnum currently works as a senior manager for a leading disability charity, heading up a new department to promote outreach and support for deaf and hard of hearing people in local areas across Scotland as well as developing policy, research, campaigns and media profile.
She has a strong interest in disability issues having previously worked for the National Autistic Society Scotland and was a volunteer for their Advocacy for Education Advisory Service.
Shabnum has also worked for Oxfam, leading on its policy and public affairs work in Scotland and has previously worked for the think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. She continues to have an interest in international development and foreign affairs.
Having joined the Liberal Democrats in 2006, Shabnum continues to be a committed and active member. She is a former Scottish Parliament candidate for Glasgow Cathcart in 2007 and holds several positions in the Party including Chair of the Glasgow South branch, as well as being a member of the Scottish Party's Policy Committee, Conference Committee, and Youth Policy Commission.
Shabnum was delighted to be part of the team that saw two Liberal Democrats elected to Glasgow City Council in the Glasgow South area. Councillors Margot Clark and Paul Coleshill have been an asset to the southside of Glasgow in championing local issues including opposition to the Go Ape plans in Pollok Park.
Shabnum spends her spare time reading, socialising, eating out and running 10k races.
