Largest number of black MPs elected in Labour’s win

LONDON:

The new British government will consist of the largest number of African-Caribbean and African members of parliament (MPs) in history, following the Labour Party’s crushing defeat of the Conservative Party last Thursday in the general election.

Britain’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer will oversee a Parliament more ethnically diverse than ever, after ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

The House of Commons, which debates political issues and introduces new laws, will consist of 16 MPs of African-Caribbean heritage, including those of mixed heritage, and 12 MPs of African heritage.

According to an analysis by political think tank British Future, the figures are the largest-ever share of ethnic minority members serving in the House of Commons. During the general election prior in 2019, 11 African-Caribbean and African MPs were present in Parliament.

Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, commenting on the election results said: “The 2024 election is a landmark for representation, with record diversity in our Parliament, closer than ever to that of the electorate.”

African-Caribbean and African lawmakers in Britain will now represent approximately 4.31 per cent of the House of Commons. According to the latest figures published by the Office of National Statics, African-Caribbean and African persons make up of 7.2 per cent of the British population.

Of the 28 MPs who have been elected to serve in the House of Commons, the majority are incumbents, with three winning new seats

INCOMING PARLIAMENT

Labour candidate Juliet Campbell overturned a Tory majority and won back the seat of Broxtowe, in Nottinghamshire, located in the middle of England.

In her acceptance speech, Campbell, whose parents are from Jamaica, said she would have a visible presence in the constituency. “It will be an absolute privilege to represent you,” she said. “I will work with everyone to build a better future.”

Bayo Alaba also captured a new seat. He became the first Labour Party MP for Southend East and Rochford, in the south of England.

During his acceptance speech, the businessman, school governor, father of three and former Parachute Regiment soldier said:“My biggest thanks tonight are for every person across Southend East and Rochford who put their trust in me. Tonight, we made history and tomorrow our work begins.”

Alaba added: “This country is crying out for change. Tonight, the British people have given us a mandate to change this country, just as Keir changed our party. This is a vote for a Labour Party that is focused on the primary needs of working people.”

The Newcastle-under-Lyme parliamentary constituency, in the north of England, was won by Adam Jogee of the Labour Party. He said: “It feels fantastic. I’m so grateful, and it is a massive privilege. I’m very conscious of the responsibility.”

Jogee added: “There is a lack of trust in politics, and I’m determined to restore that trust. After 14 long years, Keir Starmer’s changed Labour has won the trust of the British people and we now have a chance to get our country back on track.”

He added: “I will work to change the law to stop the stink, and I will work to protect our green spaces in Audley and Keele. I want to get the town back to the bustling town it was, and I cannot wait to get started.”

The incoming Parliament will include a record 242 female lawmakers, 22 more than after the last election. When Labour’s Diane Abbott, Britain’s first black female lawmaker, entered Parliament in 1987 there were 41 women in the House of Commons.

Abbott was re-elected to the seat in Hackney North and Stoke Newington, east London, which she has held for 37 years. The veteran politician was nominated as the ‘Mother of the House’; an honorary title given to the longest-serving female minister.

The diversity in Parliament, however, is unlikely to be reflected in the government’s Cabinet when Starmer elects his front bench. So far, only David Lammy, who has Guyanese heritage, has been appointed in one of the big roles, as foreign secretary.