Chinese Liberal Democrat member Philip Ling has been selected to participate in the Liberal Democrats Leadership programme.

The programme, run by the Liberal Democrats, provides training and mentoring to under-represented groups in a bid to give minorities a better chance of becoming an MP.

"I'm very pleased to be on the Liberal Democrats Leadership programme," said Ling, 31, who stood in the 2010 general election in Bromsgrove. "It is an important programme that shows the Liberal Democrats' commitment to ensuring society is fully represented in its elected membership.

"More importantly though it should be seen by ordinary members of the public, especially those from under-represented sectors of society, that politics is open to all, not just those who went to private school and Oxbridge.

"This is just the start, and the next step is to help the members of this programme get into elected office."

Merlene Emerson, chair of the Chinese Liberal Democrats, added:

"I was delighted to hear that Philip is one of 14 members from the black and ethnic minority community across the country who has made it through a rigorous selection process.

"It shows that his talent, drive and potential to become a Member of Parliament has been recognised by our senior Party members and that they will be investing in him to ensure that he succeeds in his aspiration to join the green benches."

- Full details of the scheme and a complete list of participants will be announced in January 2012.