Labour Friends of India (LFIN), the diaspora representative group of the United Kingdom's Opposition Labour Party, launched its new 'Mahatma Gandhi Future Leaders Programme' to encourage greater Indian diaspora representation in the elected offices of the party.
The group in a statement said that its new programme will cover modules such as community engagement, communications, social media, campaigns and leadership, with the aim of supporting Labour members from the Indian diaspora to put themselves forward for elected office and represent the party at all levels.
"I'm determined that we use all of the talent and potential in our party and support people who haven't previously considered getting involved in politics before," said Labour MP Angela Rayner, who is the Chair and Deputy Leader of the party.
As she joined LFIN's virtual celebrations to mark the 74th Indian Independence Day, which included yoga sessions, dance performances and inspirational stories, she said that positions of power do not reflect the diversity of the UK and she was pleased a leadership programme would encourage more people from Indian origin to get involved in politics and to stand for elected office.
"I am very pleased to see our communities joining us to celebrate Indian Independence Day and to find out more about our new Future Leaders Programme," said LFIN Co-Chair Rajesh Agrawal, the Deputy Mayor of London.
"The Labour Party needs more diverse candidates coming forward to stand for election and this programme, which starts in October, will provide Indian Labour members with really useful skills and information to take that step," he said.
The move comes as the new Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer mads attempts to reach out to the Indian diaspora in the UK and distance the party from a perceived hostile stance towards India under the previous leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.
