By Kirat Raj Singh
Public service is about representation. It is about leadership that understands the lived experiences of the people it serves. And yet, for too long, civic leadership in the UK—whether in local councils, Parliament, or public institutions—has not reflected the rich diversity of our nation.
In 2025, the UK is more diverse than ever. Nearly one in five people in England and Wales comes from an ethnic minority background, and our communities are shaped by a broad spectrum of identities—whether in terms of gender, disability, socioeconomic background, or lived experience. But this diversity is not yet reflected in our leadership. In Westminster, only around 10% of MPs come from minority ethnic backgrounds, and the numbers are even lower in senior roles across local government and public bodies.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Diversity in leadership is not just about fairness; it is about effectiveness. The UK is facing a series of interconnected crises—from the cost-of-living crisis to growing distrust in institutions, a struggling NHS, and a rise in hate crime and social division. These challenges disproportionately affect marginalised communities, yet those communities often have the least political representation.
Take, for example, the ongoing housing crisis. Research consistently shows that ethnic minority families are more likely to live in overcrowded or substandard housing, yet policies on housing and urban development are often made without meaningful input from leaders with firsthand experience of these challenges. Or consider healthcare disparities—Black women are still four times more likely to die in childbirth than white women in the UK. Without diverse voices in policy-making, these inequalities persist.
Another pressing issue is the rise in hate crimes and discrimination. The UK has seen an increase in Islamophobic, antisemitic, and racially motivated attacks, particularly following international conflicts. At a time when social cohesion is being tested, we need leaders who can bridge divides and speak authentically to communities who feel alienated from the political process. Representation in leadership is a crucial step in restoring trust in public institutions and ensuring policies work for everyone.
Breaking the Barriers to Representation
Despite progress, barriers remain. From institutional biases to the disproportionate challenges faced by candidates from minority backgrounds in gaining party selection or electoral success, the road to equal representation is still long. Studies have shown that working-class and minority candidates often struggle with access to funding, networking opportunities, and media visibility.
Political parties and public institutions must take meaningful action to address this. That means ensuring diverse candidate lists, actively recruiting people from underrepresented backgrounds into leadership pipelines, and reforming party selection processes that often disadvantage those without the traditional networks of privilege.
Beyond politics, civic institutions—from the civil service to the NHS, police, and local councils—must embed diversity at the top. That means not only recruiting diverse talent but also addressing the systemic barriers to promotion and leadership for ethnic minorities, women, and disabled individuals.
The Future of Leadership
It is not enough to celebrate diversity—we must embed it into the fabric of our civic institutions. The future of Britain is diverse. Our leadership must be too. If we want a fairer, more just, and more effective political system, we need leaders who reflect the communities they serve. That means embracing a new generation of public servants from all backgrounds, ensuring they have the opportunities to lead, and making sure our institutions reflect the realities of modern Britain.
A diverse leadership is not just desirable—it is essential for the future of our democracy.
Contact name : – Kirat Raj Singh
Email : – info@kiratrajsingh.com
Website : – https://kiratrajsingh.com
Country : – London United Kingdom
