Could you be a candidate?

The Labour Party was set up to give a political voice to working class people.

But, 100 years on, our Parliament is still far from representative. The truth is that there are still too many barriers in the way for ordinary people, often juggling long hours, low pay and family and caring responsibilities, to get involved in Party politics.

But the Labour Party is changing - and is committed to doing everything it can to make sure our politicians come from the communities that we represent.

Across the country, trade union reps and activists are using political skills every day: representing their members, campaigning for change, standing up to vested interests on behalf of ordinary people. Thousands of talented campaigners, working hard to improve life for the people they represent - yet, far too few of these union reps become Labour Councillors or Members of Parliament.

Labour has launched the Future Candidates Programme to seek a new generation of campaigners and activists for the Party. They will provide successful applicants with training and support through residential training, coaching and mentoring involving elected representatives and trainers.They are looking for bright, passionate, energetic, capable people who might not necessarily have considered standing for election before but who are able to draw on their life experience to make a real difference in their community and to positively contribute to public life.

Labour's affiliated unions are working closely with the Party to make sure that many of our talented union activists are applying to the Programme.

Are you a passionate union activist and campaigner? If so, why not think about whether you could put your skills to work as an elected political representative too.

Click here to find out more about Labour's Future Candidates Programme, and how to apply.