Launch of Sarah Yong's campaign for General Election 2015

On 19 March 2014, Chinese Liberal Democrats hosted a private dinner to launch Sarah's campaign at the Imperial China Restaurant in London Chinatown. Included amongst the 50 guests were members from the Chinese media including satellite tv channel TVB.

Lord Paddy Ashdown had just flown back from Sarajevo that afternoon in time to deliver his key note address (in English as well as in Mandarin). He shared how he had talent-spotted Sarah years ago in Somerset and encouraged her to become a Parliamentary Candidate before she was fast tracked on the Leadership Programme.

Current MP for Somerton and Frome, David Heath CBE MP had inspired Sarah to pursue a career in politics when she first met him on a tour of Parliament aged 16 years. He described his own experience starting out in the local District Council before becoming elected as MP of this vast rural constituency back in 1997. He was pleased that Sarah was selected by local party members to succeed him on his retirement next year.

Both David Heath and the next guest speaker, Tessa Munt MP (in the neighbouring constituency of Wells) sang Sarah's praises and were confident that she would make an excellent MP. Having grown up in Somerset Sarah clearly understood the issues of concern to local residents. At the same time she will be able to bring a fresh perspective and youthful energy as well as add greater diversity to Parliament.

The highlight was of course the chance to hear from Sarah Yong directly. She shared about the people who had most influenced her including her late father, and about her earlier career in the army before working for Parliament as Head of Office for Tessa Munt MP.

She also thanked the Chinese Liberal Democrats for all their help in organising the event and guests and donors for their kind support. Proprietor of the restaurant, Mr Chu Ting Tang OBE dropped by to offer his congratulations and good wishes for Sarah's success. Lord Tim Clement-Jones was guest Auctioneer for the evening, with an exciting array of prizes ranging from the book "When China Rules the World" signed by the author, to Chinese art and artefacts.

As they say in Chinese "英国华裔吹响竞选2015年国会议员冲锋号" . See also an article by May Zhao that can be read here