OBV: Search for future Black MPs

Twenty-five Black and minority ethnic individuals with little knowledge of the political process, but who are keen to learn more will shadow Members of Parliament from constituencies across Britain.

Over a six-month period they will assist MPs and active Peers with their daily work. Participants will gain valuable experience of parliamentary politics both at Westminster and in the local constituency. They will also receive training days, gaining invaluable insights from distinguished political activists and public figures,

The nation-wide 2002 programme aims to improve the political representation of Black and other minority ethnic communities in local and national politics.

There will be nineteen places, six for each of three main political parties (Labour, Liberal Democrats, Conservative) and one Independent in England; and three places each in Scotland and Wales. (Eight Labour, eight Liberal Democrats, six Conservatives, one SNP, one Plaid Cymru and one Independent).

Included in the list of MPs to be shadowed are party leaders Iain Duncan Smith and Charles Kennedy. Prime Minister, Tony Blair has also been approached.

Simon Woolley, of Operation Black Vote stated: "The pilot MP shadowing scheme produced real community activists and leaders. Out of 21, a third are either public appointees or directed elected politicians - all of them remain active in their communities. The call now is for others to follow in the path of these trailblazers. This is a unique project and a unique opportunity to nurture the talent of tomorrow's leaders."

Beverley Bernard, Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality said: "The CRE is delighted to be working again with OBV to provide a platform for talented people to become more active in politics. The poor turnout at last year's general election showed just how disenchanted British society has become with our political system. Ethnic minority communities, and young people in particular, see politicians as unrepresentative, unresponsive and irrelevant. This is a sad indictment of the state of our democracy. This programme will go a long way towards addressing this problem."

Cllr Sonika Nirwal, graduate of the OBV pilot scheme said: "This scheme will enable other young black people like me to get a foothold on the ladder into political activism and further their political understanding and progress. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see what politicians do day-to-day, and a window into the party political world and Westminster life."

Notes to the editors:

The Operation Black Vote Shadowing Scheme is the first to specifically target ethnic minorities. The scheme will pair up successful applicants to an MP in the nearby region.