The announcement was made at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham today.
There are more LGBT MPs in the Conservative Party than all the other parties put together. With less than a year to the General Election, the fund will support a new generation of candidates in their bids to win seats next May.
The new fund will provide money, advice and support to encourage more LGBT candidates who are backed, not only by the LGBT community, but also by local activists. and, ultimately the voters.
Speaking at the launch, LGBTory Chairman Colm Howard-Lloyd said: “It’s vital that we encourage and support candidates from our community to stand as elected representatives. As we know from working with our LGBTory patrons in the Westminster and Scottish parliaments, LGBT parliamentarians are there to tackle the issues everyone is passionate about.
“LGBT people are still under-represented across all of our assemblies and parliaments and the Conservative Party, as a party of inclusion, is committed to helping them overcome any barriers to standing. We hope to help more people than ever to get elected.”
Ben Howlett is the Conservatives’ candidate in the target seat of Bath.
He said: “I am proud that Bath has been endorsed by the LGBTory Candidates’ Fund. As a former chair of the Conservative Party’s youth wing I know that voters want politicians who are just like them.
“We need more LGBT MPs but for me, most importantly, these funds will help me win the seat for the Conservatives. Hard-working families in Bath need an MP who will support a secure and strong economy. And this is what LGBT voters want too, as Stonewall’s recent survey has shown.
David Gold, the Conservatives’ first openly gay candidate when he stood for Brighton Pavilion in 2001, welcomed the new fund.
He added: “In the past it was difficult for any out candidates of any party to stand for parliament. Now there are more out candidates in winnable seats than ever and the Conservatives have more lesbian and gay MPs than all the other parties put together.
“I’m proud that the party which introduced equal marriage has a dedicated fund to back LGBT candidates.”
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