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Andrew Stunell launches mentoring scheme to unlock political talent

Communities Minister Andrew Stunell today (5 July 2010) spoke at the launch of Operation Black Vote바카라 사이트s MP shadowing scheme.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Parliament

The ground-breaking programme, funded by DCLG, has been helping to unlock political talent and provide a meaningful platform for black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to engage in the democratic process for a number of years.

Andrew Stunell will be shadowed by one of the 31 black, asian and minority ethnic participants who were picked from over 150 applicants from across the country. Alumni of the scheme were elected to the House of Commons for the first time this year.

The minister spoke on the theme of 바카라 사이트Race equality, representation and the Big Society바카라 사이트. He said:

바카라 사이트This government wants a fair society where race and ethnicity are no barriers to taking part. And we바카라 사이트ll need to draw on the skills of everyone across the country as we respond to the varied challenges Britain faces today.

바카라 사이트The House of Commons is still disproportionately white but things are moving in the right direction. This scheme will provide 30 ambitious ethnically diverse people with invaluable experience and guidance to help them make parliament and local councils more truly reflect our communities.

바카라 사이트I바카라 사이트m looking forward to working with partners, such as Operation Black Vote and ministerial colleagues across government, to push the race equality agenda forward and improve opportunities for people of all backgrounds.

바카라 사이트I바카라 사이트m really proud to be acting as a mentor to one of the participants in this year바카라 사이트s project and hope to one day sit alongside them in the House.바카라 사이트

is a non-party political campaign group that is working to address the under-representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in civic and political society. The shadowing scheme will nurture the next generation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic MPs and community leaders.

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Published 5 July 2010