New Parliament ‘most diverse in UK’s history’, according to election analysis
Think tank British Future said a record number of 89 ethnic minority MPs have been elected, an increase of 23.
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
The UK has elected the most diverse Parliament in its history, according to new analysis of the 2024 General Election results.
Think tank British Future said a record number of 89 ethnic minority MPs have been elected, an increase of 23.
The majority of the ethnic minority MPs, at 66, will sit on the Labour benches.
While 14 ethnic minority Conservatives were elected, alongside five Lib Dems and four new independent MPs from a minority background.
According to the House of Commons Library, just four ethnic minority MPs were elected in 1987, the first since 1929.
Since then the number has ticked upwards at each election, from seven in 1992 to 66 in 2019.
Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said the 2024 election is a “landmark” for representation.
“In the space of 40 years we have gone from zero to nearly one in seven MPs being from an ethnic minority background,” he said.
“The irony that it coincides with the end of Rishi Sunak’s premiership as the UK’s first British Asian Prime Minister only underlines how ethnic diversity has become a new norm across the main political parties.”
However, he warned that better representation does not guarantee better policies on inclusion.
“Our race debates can often feel as polarised as ever,” he said.
“But a stronger share of voice matters. When the new Commons raises issues of race, ethnic minority MPs will be there to bring their lived experience to the debate.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.