Diversity

Promoting Diversity the diversity of our candidates is a priority. Our 2019 General Election candidate figures are below: 

Specific mentoring is available throughout the process for applicants from an under-represented background. We can connect you with mentoring from expert organisations who are dedicated to supporting women and applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds seeking election to public office at all levels.

We also have the first openly pansexual MP, 64% of our MPs are women and 18% are BAME.

Finding the best people to represent you

We are committed to increasing diversity of our elected representatives, and encouraging those from a diverse range of backgrounds to represent the Liberal Democrats at all levels.

Electing Diverse MPs

In 2016, Party members voted to adopt every legal measure available under the Equality Act to increase the diversity of our MP's.

These measures helped us elect the most diverse set of MP's in the Party's history:

• Two thirds of our parliamentary party are now female
• We have elected Britain's first MP of Palestinian descent 
• A female Deputy Leader
• An MP with disabilities

Candidate Initiatives

Clearly, there is a long way to go before we become a truly representative Parliamentary Party and we have several well-established associated organisations who help us achieve this. 

The Party also offers mentoring to support individuals who are in the process of becoming, or thinking of becoming, parliamentary candidates. It aims to assist applicants at various stages of the approvals and selection process, whether they need general information about the process, specific advice about their individual situation, or skills-based help in a particular area.

Additionally, the Party also runs a variety of Inspiration Days, Future Women MP Weekends and training events designed to support and encourage potential Parliamentary candidates from under-represented groups who want to stand for the most competitive seats in the Party. For local election candidates, ALDC’s Kickstart and Future Leaders programme are just some of the excellent support the Party offers for aspiring Councillors. 

For more information about any of the candidate initiatives run by the Party please contact diversity@libdems.org.uk.