Fund for LGBT MPs hits £2,000 target - as Labour pushes for more diverse
Commons

Tuesday, 21st April, 2009

'Dorothy's List', a campaign fund to support LGBT Labour parliamentary candidates, has met its general election target of £2,000 - in the same week that Labour Party General Secretary Ray Collins is set to address the 'Speaker's Conference' on improving diversity, including LGBT representation, in the House of Co

mmons.

The LGBT Labour campaign fund met its £2,000 goal 12 months ahead of a likely general election - thanks to the donation of supporter Chris Mahood whose contribution last weekend pushed the fund over its target.

Chris Mahood said:

"I donated to LGBT Labour's 'Dorothy's List' this weekend because I'm proud of all Labour has achieved on LGBT rights.

"What LGBT Labour is doing to get more openly gay and lesbian people into Parliament is really important, since having 'out' MPs has helped to transform LGBT rights. Under Labour, section 28 has been repealed, Civil Partnerships introduced and Gender Recognition Act created."

Katie Hanson Co-Chair of LGBT Labour welcomed the donation:

"I don't think Chris knew what an important difference his donation would make - 'Dorothy's List' has now met its £2,000 target twelve months ahead of a likely general election. We thank him and the many others who have donated for their support and we will ask our AGM on May 2nd to set a new target for the year ahead."

Next month, Michael Cashman MEP - the UK's only out MEP - will be holding dinners in Birmingham (15th May) and Manchester (16th May) to raise money for Labour Euro candidates.

LGBT Labour plans to hold its next 'Dorothy's List' fundraiser in London on 25th June with Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell.