"The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals, we acknowledge and respect their right to freedom of conscience and their right to develop their talents to the full. We aim to disperse power, to foster diversity and to nurture creativity."

Access to Elected Office Fund for disabled individuals – grants between £250 and £20,000
The Government has set up the Access to Elected Office Fund, as part of its Access to Elected Office Strategy, to help pay the disability-related costs that disabled people standing for elected office might face. The grants help meet the additional support needs that a disabled person has that are associated with their disability. If this support were not provided, a disabled person may face an additional barrier in the selection and campaign processes compared to a non-disabled person.
Individuals can apply for money from the fund if they

• are eligible to stand in an election covered by the fund;
• are disabled;
• can show that you have been involved in or are interested in politics or in civic, community or other relevant activities.

The fund website explains which elections are covered by the fund and how disability is defined under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please read here.



The Liberal Democrats are committed to increasing diversity throughout the party. We recognise the importance of engaging with a broad range of individuals and communities, and encouraging those from a diverse range of backgrounds to represent the Liberal Democrats at all levels.

The National Diversity Unit, based at Liberal Democrat HQ, is responsible for coordinating and promoting diversity initiatives across the Party. The Unit works closely with regional representatives to widen participation and proactively engage with individuals and communities from a wide range of backgrounds. The unit will also continue to run central initiatives such as the Campaign for Gender Balance and the New Generation group, providing mentoring and support to talented women and BAME individuals who would like to become representatives of the Party.

For more information about the work of the Diversity Unit, please contact:

Vicky Booth – Head of Diversity & Candidate Services (maternity leave)
Tel: 020 7340 4992
E-mail: vicky.booth@libdems.org.uk

Jemima Jefferson - Head of Diversity & Candidate Services (maternity cover)
Tel: 020 7340 4992
E-mail: jemima.jefferson@libdems.org.uk

Roxana Cimpeanu – Diversity Officer
Tel: 020 7227 1319
E-mail: roxana.cimpeanu@libdems.org.uk


Diversity Engagement Group

The Diversity Engagement Group (DEG) was set up to oversee the achievement of the Party’s equality and diversity priorities. The group brings together nominated ‘Champions’ from all sections of the Party in leading the strategic and accountable body responsible for every aspect of delivering our diversity agenda and for reporting back to FE.

Party groups

We have a range of well-established organisations which work hard to represent and empower members from specific groups. You can find out more about the work these groups do below:

Women Liberal Democrats (WLD)
Chaired by Miranda Whitehead

WLD is the party's official women's organisation and is open to all party members.

Campaign for Gender Balance (CGB)
Chaired by Ros Gordon

The Campaign for Gender Balance is the party initiative to address the under-representation of women within the Parliamentary Party. It provides encouragement and support for women standing, and considering standing, for Parliament through a range of training, mentoring and support activities.

Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats (EMLD)
Chaired by Issan Ghazni

EMLD exists to develop the education, participation and representation of ethnic minorities and others within the party.

Liberal Democrats Disability Association (LDDA)
Chaired by Robert Adamson

LDDA works within the party to raise both understanding of disability and awareness of what disability is.

Liberal Democrats Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender Action (LGBT+)
Chaired by Adrian Trett

LGBT+ is the officially recognised party organisation committed to promoting the policies of the party to gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, and to ensure that the party's policies address their needs.