THE TWO Liberal Democrat leadership candidates have committed to introducing the “Rooney Rule” for the party’s parliamentary shortlists as part of their efforts to tackle racial inequality.

Both Layla Moran and Ed Davey, acting Liberal Democrats leader, committed to implementing the policy – introduced by the NFL to increase racial diversity at senior management levels – at Wednesday’s race equality hustings.

The Liberal Democrats’ “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.

“Research shows significant discrimination occurs in recruitment at the pre-interview stage”

Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality Membership secretary, Chris Annous

The introduction of the policy would make the Liberal Democrats the first political party in Britain to formally introduce a “Rooney Rule”.

Moran and Davey also spoke of their support for several other measures to increase the party’s racial diversity at the hustings.

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.

All-BAME shortlists

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.

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.”