Black representation & Liberal Democrats?

Senior Liberal Democrats including the Leader Nick Clegg, former Leader Paddy Ashdown, and Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, engaged in what has become an annual orgy of, ‘We must have better representation within our party’.

Not for the first time, Leader Nick Clegg told a packed audience the trouble with our party is that  there are too many ‘men like me’, - white and middle class - and not enough women and Black and minority ethnic MP’s or members.

Another MP Tim Farron said he was ‘utterly embarrassed’ by the make up of the party. He went on to say,

"Over the years we've had several debates on the crushing lack of women in the House of Commons, and our zero lack of representation from black and ethnic minority communities, and the debates we've always had are about the practical way to create equality and the liberal argument about how people should get there on their own merits," he said. "Frankly I think we're beyond that time.

To be fair to Lynn Featherstone, she has always been consistent, and out of step with her colleagues calling for, ‘all-women’ and BME short list, once threatening to resign over the issue.

Former leader Paddy Ashdown, who has always railed against affirmative action now concedes if the ‘latest leadership project doesn’t work, we may have to use ‘all-women and 'all-BME' shortlists.

It is somewhat ironic that party defenders of Liberalism are shockingly illiberal when it comes to representation. The other challenge the party will have to confront in its desperation to have at least one or two Black MP’s, will be avoid those Black candidates who will seek to find favour with the party faithful by saying ‘there is no race or gender problem with the Lib Dems. Look I’m here on merit’. Sadly, there is plethora of these candidates in the wings, waiting to be elevated only to slam the door on those behind.

Come on Nick, Lynn and our Minister for Race Andrew Stunell, show some leadership.

Simon Woolley

Picture: Nick Clegg