Each of us has a duty to dismantle systemic barriers to opportunity and combat injustices faced by minority and disadvantaged communities.
“Labour has a proud record of dismantling barriers to opportunity, tackling structural inequalities and supporting minority and disadvantaged communities to get involved in politics. While the current Parliament is the most diverse it has ever been, there is still a long way to go to make it a more equal and representative place. That’s why I am delighted that Labour in Communications is leveraging its network to meet this vital challenge.”
— Anneliese Dodds MP, Secretary of State for Women and Equalities
What’s the problem?
In our society today, too few people from minority and disadvantaged communities have the right support system and network they need for the chance to succeed in politics. While our Parliament today is the most diverse it has ever been — we believe there is still a long way to go and much more to do. We want to be a force for change.
What’s the data?
Gender
A total of 220 female MPs were elected in 2019, 12 more than the previous record of 208 in 2017. For the first time, Labour has more women MPs than men. Of Labour's 202 MPs (excluding Speaker Lindsay Hoyle), 104 are women.
Ethnicity
One in ten of the 650 MPs elected in 2019 are non-white. There are 13 more non-white MPs than in the last Parliament, but all represent English seats. 20% of Labour MPs are now BAME, compared with 6% of Conservatives.
“We’ve got unfinished work in the effort to end discrimination and injustice in our country and to build an equitable and fair society. The Labour Party is the party of equality, and we are proud that our Labour in Communications network is sharing its expertise to empower our future leaders. Every individual deserves equal access to opportunities in politics.”
— Laura Cunliffe-Hall, Labour in Communications Social and Digital Media Lead
What we’re doing about it
We’re creating meaningful change by lending our voices and resources to empower and inspire minority and disadvantaged communities. We believe that when minority and disadvantaged communities succeed, we all succeed. A more diverse political system encourages richer debate and more nuanced, and ultimately more effective, policy outcomes.
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We’re offering 1-1 mentoring advice and skills training to people from minority and disadvantaged communities looking to pursue a career in politics, communications and government relations.
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We’re offering pro bono communications advice to people from minority and disadvantaged communities looking to stand for any public office — whether as a Parish councillor or a Member of Parliament.
This includes support with social media, design, messaging, media relations and political intelligence.
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We’re leveraging our network’s latest thinking, views and opinions with leading voices in the Labour movement, including MPs and Shadow Ministers. We’re also creating an educational platform to convey the systemic barriers faced by minority and disadvantaged communities in politics and empower decision makers to be a force for positive change.
Are you looking for mentorship? This bit is for you 👉
We welcome:
✅ Members of the Labour in Communications community
✅ A current member of the UK Labour Party
✅ Belong to a minority or disadvantaged community that is underrepresented in politics, communications and government relations
Includes, but not limited to, BAME, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, differently-abled or from a low socioeconomic group (a socioeconomic group equates to class but combines lots of different things, e.g. education, wealth, occupation, income, social network)
📢 Read on PRWeek
Are you looking to mentor? This bit is for you 👉
We welcome:
✅ Professionals working in communications, media or public affairs
✅ Elected office holders (such as Members of Parliament or Councillor)
Important disclaimer
Our network members do not offer pro bono communications advice on behalf of their employers. Our network members offer their professional support on an independent and voluntary basis, in their own time and at their own expense.