Operation Black Vote & the Communities and Local Government’s MP Shadowing Scheme
The Dawn of New Politics
OBV, in partnership with the CLG, launches an MP Shadowing Scheme that will nurture the next generation of Black, Asian and Chinese MPs and community leaders.
With a track record second to none, OBV embarks on its most ambitious parliamentary shadowing scheme to date. Over a period of six months 31 individuals will shadow MPs and Peers from all the three main parties, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party.
Participating MPs include Cabinet Minister Rt. Hon Oliver Letwin, CLG Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Andrew Stunell, Party Leaders Caroline Lucas and Elfyn Llwyd and Labour Leadership candidates - David Milliband, Ed Milliband, Andy Burnham and Diane Abbott.
With guidance from their MPs and Peers and intense training in regards to policy, media, and activism, OBV expect the vast majority of participants to hold political or civic positions in the near future.
Others that have been on similar schemes or have been directly assisted by OBV include the First Muslim female cabinet member Sayeeda Warsi, former Cabinet Member Sadiq Khan, and the first female Conservative of African origin Helen Grant who shadowed Oliver Letwin on the last programme.
OBV’s Director Simon Woolley stated: The calibre of this year’s participants is outstanding. Young men and women from varied backgrounds will inspire a generation, help transform their chosen political parties, and become the type of leaders all society will be proud of. I hope this good news story finds its way into our local and national media’.
Entitled, ‘The Dawn of New Politics’, the launch reception will welcome the participants to the ‘corridors of power’ and will be attended by senior Ministers, MPs, Peers and will include keynote speeches by CLG Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Andrew Stunell, Rt. Hon. Sadiq Khan, Simon Hughes MP, Baroness Scott, Andrew Stephenson MP and Lord Herman Ouseley.
‘The Dawn of New Politics’ will take place from 11.00am – 1.00pm on Monday 5th July 2010 in the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, Bridge Street, London SW1A 2JH. (Nearest tube station – Westminster). Lunch will be served.
To attend or to interview a participant, please call 0208 983 5426/ 07725945877.
