David Cameron has launched a 5-point positive action plan to guarantee more women and black and ethnic minority MPs.

The new Party leader appealed to every woman in Britain, and everyone from a black or ethnic minority background, who shares his passion to change Britain for the better and who shares our values to apply to stand for Parliament in the Conservative cause.

He said: “We are looking for you, the brightest and the best - to join our mission, to make your contribution, and to help make our country a better place to live. I promise that we will welcome you, look after you and give you all the support you need.”

Improving candidate selection: David Cameron’s 5-point positive action plan

1. Freeze on all candidate selections while a new system that guarantees diversity, fairness and meritocracy is put in place.

2. Priority list of candidates drawn up for target and Conservative-held seats, comprising the brightest and best candidates, with equal numbers of men and women and a significant proportion of black and ethnic minority candidates, and candidates with disabilities.

3. Full progress check review after three months, and in the unlikely event that further action is required, it will be taken.

4. Intensive programme of headhunting and mentoring to attract the brightest and best women and ethnic minorities to apply to become candidates.

5. Community involvement in candidate selection, either through community panels evaluating candidates, or through primaries.

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