1. Publish a register of candidates’ professional backgrounds 

Every election, major parties can make it clear how many of their MPs and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates are from blue collar and working class professional backgrounds. Information on race, gender and other characteristics of those in political life are regularly discussed. We think class and professional background should be a key part of the discussion on diversity. 

2. Set a target of 30%: The same as the general population

Parties should commit to ensuring that 30% of their MPs have blue collar and working class backgrounds within the next two parliamentary terms. This is roughly the same representation of professional background as the public that elect each government.

3. Create a minimum £4000 candidate party bursary scheme

Major parties should commit to ensuring that a bursary that covers campaigning expenditures is available to help candidates working in keyworker and in low income professions to run for positions in their party - particularly to be selected for Member of Parliament.

4. Create a working class equivalent to the ‘Access To Elected Office’ grant

In government we ask parties to create an equivalent to the ‘Access To Elected Office’ grant offered to candidates that want to enter politics but haven’t the means. We also ask that grantees are given a right to leave from work, equivalent to jury service.

5. Set up a mentoring scheme specifically for blue collar and working class professionals

Parties must develop a scheme where a new generation of blue collar and working class professionals can shadow and be mentored by current and retired MPs. We want a new generation of workers to feel confident that they can be as good a legislator as any high status professional, and for local parties to choose them to govern.