Ground-breaking Scheme to increase Black politicians

The scheme, funded by the Assembly, will see nine BME individuals from all over Wales shadowing Assembly Members from all four main parties.

The project, aimed at encouraging those from BME communities to participate in the democratic process and increasing the number of BME AMs, and councillors, follows the format of the successful MP, Magistrate and Councillor shadowing schemes OBV have undertaken over the last eight years.

Many who have taken part in these schemes have gone on to become elected or appointed decision-makers.

The participants, who come from a wide range of BME communities, will shadow AMs for a minimum of eight days over a six month period in order to gain experience of life as an Assembly Member, and to help Assembly Members understand the needs of their BME constituents. They will also become Community Ambassadors, promoting democratic engagement within their areas.

The launch will take place at the Senedd on October 10th at 5.30pm. Speakers include the Assembly's Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Ann Jones, AM, Chair of Equality of Opportunity Committee and Mohammad Asghar AM, the first BME Member of the National Assembly for Wales.

Simon Woolley said: "I am delighted that the Welsh Assembly has been so positive about undertaking this exciting and historic project. The history of Black communities in Wales goes back centuries. It is right therefore, to ensure that all voices are heard and that they have a stake in these key bodies. This project sends out a clear message that the Welsh Assembly and local governance works best when it is representative and inclusive"

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said: "I am very pleased to be launching the scheme. While the Assembly can boast that, during the second Assembly, it was the first parliamentary institution in the world to have first a 50/ 50 gender balance and then a majority of women, BME communities weren't represented at all until this year when Mohammed Ashgar became our first BME AM. However his presence alone is not enough and anything that can be done to redress this balance is very welcome."

Notes to editor There is only one BME Welsh Assembly member, Mohammad Asghar.All main parties will be involved in the Assembly Shadowing scheme.