Adam Afriyie: Minister in waiting

Britain’s first Conservative MP of African descent, Adam Afriyie should be in line to become a Minister in a much anticipated Government reshuffle.

Elected in 2005, Afriyie quickly became a rising star, appointed as Shadow Minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills. On 23 March 2010, Afriyie looked across The House of Commons Dispatch Box to face his parliamentary opponent David Lammy MP, a quite symbolic moment in British political history.

During the parliamentary expenses scandal, Afriyie was held up as one of those wealthy MPs who deemed it would be incorrect to claim expenses. Since then he has been at the forefront of the debate arguing that Government should act fair towards MPs, particularly to those who don’t have either independent wealth or a second income. "We mustn’t create a two tier Parliament," he said in a recent debate.

On race, individuals like myself would like Afriyie to be more outspoken, but to his credit, he never fails to support our work and other BME projects. He once told me, ‘…behind the scenes, I’ll do whatever I can to ensure we have greater race equality, including speaking at and supporting organisations such as yours’.

Let’s hope Prime Minister David Cameron recognises Afriyie's talent, business acumen - his company generates millions and employs many - and his strong sense of fairness both within Parliament and in wider society.

Simon Woolley