People with Disabilities Standing for Elected Office

Baroness Pitkeathley Excerpts

Monday 22nd March 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, I will ensure that the important suggestions put forward by the noble Baroness are taken into account as we go forward. I reiterate the Government’s desire to see more disabled candidates for all parties.

[Baroness Pitkeathley (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that in the process of managing their disability, or the disability of someone they care for, people learn many skills, both practical and organisational, that are useful in public life and elected office? As the Government are rightly—[Inaudible]—will he also agree that it makes sound economic, as well as moral, good sense to give financial support to ensure that these much-needed skills are not lost?