Leader opens 'inner sanctum'

Charles Kennedy will help "pull down the drawbridge"

A young black woman from Leicestershire hopes to learn about the "inner sanctum" of politics from Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.

Francine Fernandez, from Braunstone, has been chosen to "shadow" Mr Kennedy over the next six months.

She is one of 25 people selected to shadow MPs as part of a scheme to encourage more black and asian people into politics.

More than 650 people applied to take part in Operation Black Vote.

It's not that we are not interested in politics... we are not interested in the politics of exclusion

Simon Wooley, Operation Black Vote

Ms Fernandez said: "I am tremendously excited.

"I have always had an interest in politics.

"I think what this scheme will actually give me is a real insight into the inner sanctums of politics."

"The everyday life of an MP... is it glamorous or is it not?

"I'd like to learn from Charles Kennedy, but perhaps I can give him an insight into the perspective of black people and a young person as well."

'Watch this space'

Ms Fernandez studied politics for her A-levels and at university.

But in typical politician style, she avoids questions about her political aspirations.

"Who knows, you'll just have to watch this space."

The national co-ordinator of Operation Black Vote, Simon Wooley, said the program was "pulling down the drawbridge" for black and Asian people to enter politics.

It was also an educational experience for politicians who took part.

He said 650 applications showed there was an interest in politics among black and Asian people.

"It's not that we are not interested in politics... we are not interested in the politics of exclusion."