Ghazni appointed Lib Dems' new National Diversity Adviser

2.58.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 13th Sep 2007

Issan Ghazni has been appointed to the newly created position of National Diversity Adviser based at the party's Cowley Street Headquarters. Issan has a consulting and professional background in Equalities and Diversity at the highest level and has extensive experience of the public, private and voluntary/community sectors.

Issan is also a Liberal Democrat activist who fought Nottingham East in 2005, doubling the Lib Dem vote and achieving a swing against Labour of almost 12%. Commenting on his appointment Issan said:

"This is an exciting time to be joining the team at headquarters. I am really looking forward to tackling the diversity challenges we face and making the party both fit for the times, and also representative of our culturally diverse communities."

HQ Director Ben Stoneham says that Issan's appointment shows the party strengthening its commitment to equality and widening participation. "Issan will play a central and strategic role in improving diversity throughout the organisation and in particular amongst parliamentary candidates by developing and leading new initiatives within the party and by improving existing practice."

Party Leader Ming Campbell will be introducing Issan at a number of meetings at the Brighton Conference: "I welcome the experience from public, private and voluntary sectors that Issan will bring to the party in the very important work of promoting diversity.