On Wednesday August 5th, frontrunners for Liberal Democrats Parliamentary leadership announced their firm commitment to the introduction of ‘Rooney Rule’ in the party.
At the race equality hustings, both Layla Moran and Ed Davey committed to ‘Rooney Rule’ for Liberal Democrat Parliamentary shortlists.
The “Rooney Rule” would mandate that a minimum share of candidates on the final shortlists of the party’s parliamentary contests would be from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. This policy will make Liberal Democrats the first political party in the history of British politics to formally introduce a “Rooney Rule”.
This represents a ground-breaking step in the campaign to increase ethnic minority representation in parliament and the candidates supported several other measures to increase the party’s racial diversity. Both pledged to fund a leadership mentoring and training programme for aspiring ethnic minority candidates, to audit progress in parliamentary staff and local council selections and to track the efforts of local parties to become more reflective of their communities.
Ed Davey also announced his desire as leader to reform the Equality Act to allow the party to run All-BAME candidate shortlists in target seats. Layla Moran has not yet announced her position on All-BAME shortlists.
Liberal Democrat Campaign for Race Equality Chair, Roderick Lynch, said, “Progress in diversifying our party has been glacial in recent years, so I welcome these substantial announcements. I look forward to working with whomever wins to realise these commitments and get the Lib Dems leading the fight for racial equality.”
Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality Membership Secretary, Chris Annous, said, “I am delighted that both leadership candidates have promised their commitment to implementing a ‘Rooney Rule’ for parliamentary selections. Research shows significant discrimination occurs in recruitment at the pre-interview stage.
“Though not a silver bullet, allowing more aspiring BAME candidates to make their case for selection to local members in selection meetings will thus increase the party’s number of BAME candidates and ultimately MPs. This representation is key to tackling racial inequalities.”
