The British Obama and Clinton Rolled Into One?

Much as I admire your viewpoint, Autumn, this lady is a non-starter. I am sure she will make it into Parliament, but that's where it will end, for now. The one thing that characterises all the past minority MPs who have advanced in British politics is the big YES stamped on their foreheads - not allowed to have an independent thought, non-threatening and able to seamlessly fit as 'one of us'.

Look what happened to Bernie Grant and Diane Abbott? Strong personalities who were sidelined for the quiet passive ones who won't rock the boat. Ms Alapini sounds as though she has a few brain cells that she's willing to exercise. That won't go down too well with party grandees who prefer someone they can manipulate. 

The first Black Prime Minister of Britain will be someone entirely unexpected, who can combine being a little reserved and deferential with a lot of verve and enthusiasm - and will be male - to fit in with the White demographics and those with the power to nominate. As Britain is about 20 years behind America in social activities, I won't expect change in a hurry. But we feel left behind with Barack's success so the politicians are trying to diversify as quickly as possible.

Heck, only this week I was approached by my local party to stand as a councillor. Yet I have no real interest in politics (too shallow and superficial for me!) AND normally a 60 year old wouldn't get anywhere being proposed for election. But I suddenly have the magic gender and colour too! I was told that I 'could be fast tracked' with the 'skills' that I have (I wonder what those are which are suddenly so useful?). I am till considering. I can see a few queenly benefits, after all!

How times are a-changing! Interesting article.

PS...Time will prove which of us has the crystal ball..:o)

I get what you mean, Ms C. But I would not put this candidate as a complete non-starter.I do not think she can make No: 10 in 5 years, arguably may never. One certain consequence of Obama's victory will be how it inspires more non-whites to become politically active as well as astute enough to get further than their predecessors.

Good article Autumn.  

I think much more depends on how the Liberal Democrats can command more power in Government as to when that first non-white MP is likely to emerge as a real candidate.

See Ethnic Minorities and Women in Politics. Our 3rd party has a much bigger following among ethnic minorities as well as women. Alas, this has not converted to better power-sharing.

It is ironic that the party has been in the doldrums over the last few years more because of internal wrangles than realpolitics. Else, it should have been able to capitalize on Labour's disastrous policies over the War on Terror as well Brown's handling of the early stages of this recession when he was holding the purse strings as Chancellor.

The London Mayor elections should have been a good barometer of where the Liberal Democrats stood. Paddick did well, relatively. But we will never know how the results might have gone if the party had put in a real heavyweight as their candidate.

I cannot disagree with anything said here in that last comment, Autumn or Raat. I guess we all have to wait and see. Speaking personally, I used to be a LibDem supporter but have gone right off them since they ditched Kennedy. I really dislike the new leader, yet can't say why. :o(

For one thing, I'm convinced Labour will lose the next election, but it could be a blessing in disguise for them.

They will, Autumn, without a shadow of a doubt, if only because it is unheard of for any British  party to be elected for more that three consecutive terms. People are very fickle and it's the Tories time again. If there was a really fab looking leader, like Blair, then I might have doubts. But with Gordon Brown? I really can't see it. I might have to eat my hat if he does...lol