Tories will have first non-white PM, says Cameron

In a bid to attract minority voters, David Cameron promises a move towards diversity for the Conservative party in his ‘2020 vision’ outline.

During a speech at Croydon Central this morning, the Conservative leader announced a plan to increase job and education opportunities for BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) communities. Cameron’s ‘2020 vision’ features targets for 20% of police recruits and 20% of Tory candidates to be sourced from minority communities within the next five years.

Another significant announcement came, as he assured that his party will deliver the first non-white Prime Minister. It is a prospect no doubt inspired by the success of political ally Barack Obama, the first African American President in U.S. history.

Cameron praised the Conservative’s track-record, appointing Margaret Thatcher as the first British female PM and Benjamin Disraeli as the first Jewish PM. The party leader told audiences from the marginal Tory constituency that the Conservatives would also be the “party of the first black or Asian Prime Minister.”

The party’s return to positive campaigning comes after increasing criticism of negative attacks on Ed Miliband and SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon. The approach has backfired, with the SNP now due to take 56 of Scotland’s 59 seats. Popular poll-leader Lord Ashcroft has also noted an increase in support for Ed Miliband who has shown ‘resilience’ against personal attacks from the Tories.

The Conservatives received criticism for their alienation of BME communities in the 2010 elections. The party gained only 16% of the BME vote – a dismal figure. With a recent study by campaign group Operation Black Vote showing 168 marginal BME constituencies, this appeal to a large group of swing voters looks to be highly influential on May 7th.