Young Black MP shadowers ready to take political office

Foreign and Commonwealth Minister Baroness Patricia Scotland stated: 'Making a reality of diversity is a challenge to the old establishment. Today's event also represents a significant step in the process of grasping the greater opportunities that are now becoming available to those in the minority ethnic communities who want to contribute actively to politics and civic society.'

Date & place: 24th July 12.30-2pm India Room, Foreign and Commonwealth Office King Charles St. SW1

The unique scheme twinned politicians with a 'shadowers' for a period of six months. They spent time at Westminster & in the constituency gaining valuable experience of life within the corridors of power. The 'shadowers' also received five one-day training courses such as 'How policy is made' 'How to get selected' 'How to Westminster works'.

OBV's National Co-ordinator Simon Woolley states: 'The scheme has been a real breakthrough. Many had thought they had something to contribute to politics and civic society, but often believed that it was closed to them. Although they recognise there are still many hurdles for Black people, they now graduate with the confidence and the understanding to seriously think about elected office'.

Demi Akerewusi who shadowed the Conservative MP Peter Bottomley stated: ' It's been a real eye opener. But I am determined to be the Conservatives first Black elected female MP. Just watch!'

Both the shadowers and their political mentors will receive a certificate from the Foreign office Minister.

Notes for the editor:

Parliamentarians involved in the scheme: The Rt. Hon Charles Kennedy MP, Menzies Campbell MP, Simon Hughes MP, Richard Allen MP Jackie Ballard MP, Suasan Kramer, Thomas Brake MP, David Rendel MP, Oona King MP, Marsha Singh MP, Jim Cunngham MP, Fiona McTaggart MP, Barbara Follett, MP, Lord Toby Harris, John Gummer MP, Peter Bottomly MP, Julie Kirkbride MP, Rt. Hon Michael Jack MP, Richard Ottaway MP.