London MEP Sarah Ludford comments:

The principle of non-discrimination has always been at the very core of Liberal Democrat values, so we have to work harder to get Liberal Democrat ethnic minority MPs (as well as more MEPs and councillors) elected. The alienation of some of our British black and Asian citizens is deeply worrying, and political representation is a crucial contribution to ensuring the better participation of minorities in every aspect of society. All three leadership candidates have signed up to this campaign, so we have reason to believe that there will be marked improvement in ethnic as well as gender diversity of our successful candidates. I urge all party members to help in changing “Reflecting Britain” from a slogan into an accurate description of the Liberal Democrats in the 21st century.

Liberal Democrat leadership hopefuls last week revealed radical measures to encourage more ethnic minorities to become involved in the party’s politics.

On the hustings on Valentine’s Day, candidates Sir Menzies Campbell, Christopher Huhne and Simon Hughes unveiled a raft of measures including a minority-only shortlist for peers, a trust fund for BME candidates, and a policy of “headhunting” BME activists.

Read the full report here.

The Times today reports how a third of Conservative Party candidates so far selected are women, as part of a strategy which heavily borrows from Liberal Democrat campaign techniques:

Seven of the 19 hopefuls selected to fight the most winnable seats for the Tories are women and most of them just missed out on Westminster in the 2005 election, The Times has learnt. They were selected at such an early stage in the electoral cycle — another election is not expected until 2009 — after an analysis of new MPs who won with the biggest swings at the 2005 poll.

Ming Campbell has a new video on his campaign website, in which Nicola Davies (candidate for Birmingham Hodge Hill in the 2004 by-election) and Baroness Barker interview him about the women who have influenced him in his life and about his desire to see a more representative House of Commons. In it he commits to establishing a trust fund to help female and ethnic minority candidates.

MP for Northavon Steve Webb lends his support:

I am pleased to write in support of the campaign for a Liberal Democrat parliamentary party that more fully reflects modern Britain. I have been pleased to support previous initiatives such as mentoring women PPCs, and will be happy to do what I can to further the goals of the campaign.

Northern Region MEP Fiona Hall comments:

I’m lucky - I’m a member of a parliamentary party which does reflect Britain. In the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Party, the 12-member Lib Dem European Parliamentary Party we have seven women and one person from an ethnic minority. I think that makes us a much stronger group and one which more people can relate to.

We should reflect on the various actions we took as a party in order to achieve a representative group of MEPs, and consider what actions we now need to take to make sure that all our groups of elected representatives truly reflect Britain.

Ceredigion MP Mark Williams adds his support:

Participation and involvement are the key to a vibrant democracy. In eight short months in the House of Commons, it has become very clear to me how unrepresentative of women and the ethnic minorities Parliament really is. That’s why ‘Reflecting Britain’ is such an important initiative, so whatever your background, whoever you are, get involved.

All three leadership candidates spoke at the Ethnic Minority Election Task Force hustings at the National Liberal Club last night (14 February).

Simon Hughes, Chris Huhne and Ming Campbell have included details of what they said on their respective websites.

In the blogosphere, Mark Valladares has given his reaction, as have Peter Pigeon, Colin Ross and James Graham.

UPDATE: Susanne Lamido adds her comments.

Liz Wheeler, the Chair of the Women Liberal Democrats, has signed up to the campaign, saying:

It is crucial for the credibility of the Liberal Democrats that urgent action is taken to address the under representation of women in the Parliamentary Party in order to fully represent the population they seek to serve.

Jo Swinson MP gives us her advice on what aspiring candidates should be doing:

• Be open minded. Standing for Parliament can be an interesting and worthwhile experience itself, even if the job of MP / MSP / MEP doesn’t appeal to you. When I first stood, in a safe Labour seat, it was clear I wouldn’t win. However the skills I developed of building and motivating a team, working with the media, and planning a campaign all came in useful - both within politics and in my business career. I always think if you can inspire a team of volunteers to deliver leaflets in the pouring rain, leading a team of people in paid employment is much easier!
• Get a copy of the candidate approval form, and find a friend to look through it with (you can request a form here). Don’t feel you have to have done everything it mentions to apply - it’s just covering all bases to make sure people don’t forget to include relevant experience. The questions on the form might also give you ideas of things you might like to do - training to attend at party conference, making a speech, or getting involved in a local campaign for example. A friend will often think of things you’ve forgotten about your achievements, and can help you blow your own trumpet, which is not something which always comes easily.
• Fill in the form, and do it soon. The approval process itself is a worthwhile exercise. You get a good appraisal of your strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunity to go on training. It can also be a confidence booster. Importantly, being an approved candidate gives you flexibility. It doesn’t compel you to stand, but if your ideal opportunity comes along, you won’t miss it because of not being approved in time.
• Act like a sponge for ideas and advice. Network within the party - locally, regionally and at national party conferences, by-elections and events. People love being asked for their advice (and you don’t always have to take it!) so pick up a wide range of views to help you form your own picture of the political situation and prospects in particular constituencies.
• Prioritise what is important for you. What do you want to achieve? What other influences will you be factoring in - career, family commitments, finances? Different people have got elected in different ways. Lynne Featherstone stayed put and overturned a 26,000 Labour majority over 8 years. Sandra Gidley won when her home seat suddenly became vacant and winnable because of a Parliamentary by-election. Jenny Willott moved to Cardiff to take on a target seat and win it, coming very close in 2001, and winning with a 5000+ majority in 2005.
• Think ahead. Even if you don’t want to be elected next time, having a long term plan can help you make decisions now that will make it easier for you in future. Where to locate, what jobs to apply for, what involvement you have in your local party, what experiences to pursue?
• Do it!

You can read more advice on our “Be the Candidate” page and in the “do it” section of this site.

If you have any advice of your own for publishing here, email it to info@reflectingbritain.org.uk.