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UK Election: British Voters Elect Most Diverse Parliament But…—-British voters have elected a record number of ethnic minority MPs to the House of Commons, signifying a shift towards greater political involvement among minorities and efforts by political parties to mirror the diverse populace they represent.

An analysis by the British Future think tank reveals that over 13% of the new parliamentarians are from ethnic minority backgrounds, up from 10% in 2019. This is a significant increase, though still below the 18% of the British population identified as non-White in the 2021 census.

However, despite 66 of these 87 MPs being Labour members, similar diversity is not expected in Keir Starmer’s upcoming cabinet. If Starmer continues the tradition of appointing key spokespeople to cabinet positions, only three out of 31 ministers will be from ethnic minority backgrounds. This would represent a decline from the previous cabinet under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which saw a higher proportion of ethnic minority ministers in senior roles.

Historically, Starmer’s shadow cabinet included more ethnic minority MPs, but three resigned in November, along with seven others, over a vote for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Labour’s diverse candidate list, now reflected in more MPs, is attributed to its increasingly diverse membership base.

“Ethnic minority representation is now a staple in British politics,” stated Sunder Katwala, director of British Future. He noted the progress since Labour’s all-White cabinet in 1997, which only saw its first Black cabinet minister, Paul Boateng, five years later.

The Conservative Party’s Progress

While ethnic minority voters traditionally lean towards Labour, the Conservatives have established themselves since 2010 as champions of promoting minorities to top political roles. This began with former Prime Minister David Cameron’s efforts to diversify candidate shortlists, leading to notable appointments like Sayeeda Warsi, the first British Muslim in the cabinet.

The Conservatives increased their minority MPs from just two in 2005 to 22 in 2019, culminating in the appointment of Britain’s first Asian Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. Despite this progress, there has been criticism that these appointments have not translated into tangible benefits for marginalized communities.

Dr. Rima Saini, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Middlesex University, commented, “Diversity within the Conservative Party Cabinet hasn’t equated to racial justice. It’s more a mechanism to modernize the party.”

Labour’s Social Diversity

Starmer’s cabinet is expected to contrast sharply with the previous Conservative administrations, particularly in terms of social background. Approximately 77.5% of his shadow cabinet members attended state schools, compared to the Conservative cabinets dominated by figures like Boris Johnson and David Cameron, known for their privileged backgrounds.

This demographic shift may already influence policy directions, such as proposals to eliminate tax breaks for private schools and reinvest the funds in public education.

Starmer faces significant pressure to deliver on his promises, with expectations to usher in a new era of hope and opportunity, especially for the nation’s most disadvantaged.

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

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Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

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Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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