PARTICIPANTS FROM across the country are this week embarking on the Pathway to Success Leadership and Development programme pilot, a ground-breaking new initiative working to equip BAME individuals with the tools and knowledge required to stand for political office alongside other leading figures from across the UK.

The individuals have been selected based on their proven leadership skills and will undertake a week of intensive coaching to build their confidence and familiarity with political settings.

The programme aims to send out the message that diverse leadership is essential in politics and civil society, while creating a thriving parliamentary democracy.

Some of those selected to take part in the programme include Sheun Oke, a leadership and confidence expert and former Council candidate in Dartford; Michelle Cook, a Sheffield councillor; Cynthia Barker, Deputy Mayor for Hertsmere and Borough Councillor and Alex Yip, Birmingham Councillor and Shadow Cabinet Member for Children’s Wellbeing and parliamentary candidate.

Run by The House of Commons and Operation Black Vote (OBV) in collaboration with Oxford University’s Magdalen College and Blavatnik School of Government and Lloyds Banking Group, the programme will offer participants first-hand experience of parliament and an enhanced understanding of the political landscape, as well as the skills to take their first step towards a career in frontline politics.

Attendees of the programme are staying in Magdalen College, Oxford and will visit UK Parliament on Tuesday (Sept 10) to learn more about Parliament, what it’s like to be an MP and how to become a political candidate.

The Blavatnik School of Government has developed a comprehensive programme to build an in-depth understanding of major political, civic and business ideas through discussion, group activities and input sessions throughout the week.