Political parties were urged to work harder to recruit more ethnic minority candidates today - the 100th anniversary of the election of Britain's first black councillors.

John Archer and Henry Sylvester Williams became the first to hold public office when they were voted onto Battersea Borough Council and Marylebone Borough Council respectively in 1906.

But a century after the pioneering pair's breakthrough, census figures show that 96.8% of councillors in England and Wales are white.

Sir Jeremy Beecham, vice-chairman of the Local Government Association, said he hoped the centenary would inspire a new generation to put themselves forward.

"These two men were trailblazers in the truest sense of the word," he said.

"All of us, regardless of our colour, ethnicity or religion, should recognise the importance of their achievements to the development of a tolerant, modern society that celebrates diversity.

"At a time when racism was often an unwelcome part of everyday life, these men won the support of their communities and the admiration of their peers.

"They were hard working, humble and committed to improving the lives of local people.

"A century on from this watershed moment, councils are committed to creating communities where people's differences are valued and respected.

"However black and ethnic minority communities are still under-represented in the council chamber and positions of leadership and the political parties must do more to redress the balance."

Black and ethnic minority teenagers were more likely to have met a councillor or local MP than their white counterparts, he pointed out.

"But somewhere along the line their interest is often lost. Councils need to devote greater time and energy to connecting with these young people, getting them involved in their communities and wanting to make a difference," he said...

http://www.24dash.com/localgovernment/12418.htm

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Living under the tyranny of a Labour government.