Press Release: Historic - first Black Assembly Member elected

Mohammad Asghar AM has stood for Plaid Cymru in previous elections, including the last general election, and is a Plaid regional co-ordinator and member of the National Executive Committee. He will become an assembly representative for South Wales East.

OBV Director, Simon Woolley stated: This is an historic and exciting day for Welsh politics. Multiculturalism has been celebrated by the election of Mohammad Asghar as the first Black Assembly member. Equally important was the Welsh electrates wholesale rejection of the racist BNP.

Elaine Clayton, Deputy Director of Valleys Race Equality Council stated: 'For more than 150 years Black communities have been fundamental to the fabric of Welsh society: in the docks, in the mines and today in every walk of life. Our communities by voting continue our positive contribution to this great nation'.

Mohammad Asghar, AM newly elected in South Wales East said: 'I'm lost for words at the moment. I'm very excited and I don't know what to say. I will be serving with my heart and soul for the ethnic minorities which are an integral part of the United Kingdom and Wales."

After the election, and in partnership with the Welsh Assembly, OBV will be launching a historic Welsh Assembly Shadowing Scheme that will nurture a future generation of BME politicians in Wales.

Applications are now open, all those seeking to apply should contact: info@ obv.org.uk.

Notes to editor There are no BME Welsh Assembly membersAll main parties will be involved in the Assembly Shadowing scheme