The 2017 election saw more women and BAME MPs elected than ever before. 52 BAME MPs were elected – an increase of 10 from 2015 – representing eight per cent of all Parliamentarians. But that wasn’t equally spread between parties. After the 2017 election, BAME MPs made up six per cent of Conservative MPs, 12 per cent of Labour MPs and eight per cent of Lib Dem MPs. With Labour they were more likely to be in winnable seats.
I am proud that the UK has made strides toward achieving a more representative Parliament. We know the arguments for better representation are very well known. A more diverse politics makes for more informed debate and better decision making. Yet despite the increase, his progress is insufficient and every party needs to be looking at how to increase the number of candidates from under-represented groups – and support their election. That means seeing more BAME candidates up for election in winnable seats.
