It’s been announced tonight that Baroness Sal Brinton is stepping down as Chair of the Diversity Engagement Group. Nick Clegg paid tribute to her work in the role:

Her hard work and dedication have clearly demonstrated the commitment of the party to becoming more representative of British society, and ensuring that the targets set for increased diversity are met. The Leadership Programme is a significant and important part of that dynamic, giving outstanding candidates from under-represented groups the skills that they will need to win seats in the upcoming elections. I’m delighted that so many of those candidates are now selected, and will represent the Party in the coming General Election.

Her replacement is to be Lord Navnit Dholakia, who was party president between 2000 and 2004. He has a record of service to the party going back more than half a century, having been first elected as a Councillor in Brighton in 1961.

Nick’s statement continued:

Navnit has a hugely impressive track record of campaigning and delivering on diversity both inside and outside the party, and I know that he will bring wisdom, energy and passion to this important role.  With the General Election fast approaching, the Group will have a very important role to play in terms of the participation and representation of BAME communities, women, disabled people, LGBT people and other key groups who are under-represented in political life. I am therefore delighted that Navnit has agreed to take the lead for the Party on this, and build on the excellent work that has already been done.

There may be a certain symmetry about a former DEG Chair stepping down and standing for President while a former President becomes DEG chair. We will find out in the Presidential election this Autumn.

Photo of Navnit Dholakia above: Some rights reserved by Keith Edkins