High profile Lib Dems support Reflecting Britain

5.44.26pm GMT Wed 25th Jan 2006

January 25th, 2006 Meral Ece supports campaign

Councillor Meral Ece, lending her support to the Reflecting Britain campaign

Councillor representative on the Liberal Democrats' Federal Executive Meral Ece has lent her support to the campaign:

'Over the years we have grown in membership and represent inner city areas, both at local council, and parliament. Unfortunately we do not reflect our electorate.

As a female councillor, from an ethnic minority, (Turkish), I am acutely aware that the party is grossly underrepresented by women and BME representation, at every level.

Whoever is elected as the new leader, they must throw their weight behind this important initiative, and make this happen.'

Jo Swinson, Vice Chair of the GBTF: Campaign for Gender Balance adds:

Jo Swinson has supported the launch of Reflecting Britain

"The Liberal Democrats' Gender Balance Task Force (GBTF) has made significant progress, with 7 out of 21 new MPs elected in 2005 being women. With increased resources it could do so much more to achieve greater representation of women.

"Where we need change most urgently is in the representation of ethnic minorities. The Party must mirror the success of the GBTF and give a genuine voice to ethnic minorities in Parliament.

"I would urge the three leadership candidates to sign up to this campaign and address the issue of under-representation of women and ethnic minorities.

"Drawing on a wider pool of talent will strengthen our party at all levels."