Operation Black Vote begin search for UK’s future Black Prime Minister

Operation Black Vote launched a programme to find Britain’s future political leaders - maybe even a future Prime Minister - at a glittering event in parliament last week.

38 dynamic individuals, have been paired with MPs from four parties, heard speeches from the Speaker of the House, John Bercow, plus OBV alumni and now MPs Helen Grant (Conservative), Marsha De Cordova and Tan Dhesi (both Labour). Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable was also present.

The scheme has also helped launch the careers of Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and Marvin Rees, who became the first black (African Caribbean) city mayor in Europe when he won the Bristol election.

This has been the most successful BME political mentoring scheme in Britain and, to date, 10% of all prominent BME elected politicians come from this scheme. They represent a kaleidoscope of ethnicities, faiths and political leanings.

OBV’s Director, Simon Woolley stated:

‘I am completely overwhelmed by the calibre and desire from this new intake. Hundreds of talented individuals applied and it was often impossible to choose. There is one thing that I will guarantee from this group of individuals; having embraced a path of political leadership, you will see, a number of these young men and women sitting on the Commons green benches representing constituencies and serving their country.’