No to Tokenism

12.22.33pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 15th Feb 2006

Last night the Ethnic Minority Election Task Force hustings took place at the National Liberal Club for with all three Liberal Democrat Leadership Candidates. I was not there but reports I have read on www.libdemblogs.co.uk that there was apparently a question on BME-only shortlists - just as I oppose women-only shortlists I am opposed to BME-only shortlists and indeed all artificial quotas.

On BME-only shortlists I am told Simon was in favour in some form of quota as was Chris and only Sir Menzies opposed and took the line that persuasion and leadership would be more effective. Do not get me wrong I would like to see a more representative Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party and indeed a more representative House of Commons, I hope I do my bit in trying to encourage a wide range of diverse individuals to go for approval and selection and as someone who does a fair amount of Selection Committee training I also highlight equality issues and the importance of treating all candidates fairly.

Related Links:

Visit the Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats website

Visit the Reflecting Britain website

The Liberal Democrat Muslim Forum also has a Leadership page on thier website - visit it here