Adam Afriyie MP: Positive discrimination has no place in the selection of candidates for roles in politics, business or even the pulpit

Adam Afriyie has been Conservative MP for Windsor since 2005.

The Conservative Party looks younger and more diverse than at any time in its history.  In large part that’s a testament to David Cameron’s determination to build a modern and inclusive party.  But as the dust settles there remain real questions about the best way to build on these successes for the future.

Many of us have deep misgivings about creeping positive discrimination.  Recent reports about the appointment of a new House of Commons chaplain only add to these concerns.

Canon Robert Wright, the outgoing Commons chaplain, will be remembered for his measured tones in public and supportive pastoral voice in private.  He is respected because he is visible and conducts his work in an open and accessible way.  This is exactly the kind of openness that must underpin Parliamentary and public appointments. 

The Speaker selected the candidate he thought best for the job.  Some will be alarmed by rumours of positive discrimination; others will be cheered by the selection of the best candidate.

I have little doubt that Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, now confirmed in her new post, has the ability to make an excellent chaplain, as has Canon Andrew Tremlett, who lost out in the race.  But I worry that the temptation to make appointments in pursuit of a covert agenda of positive discrimination – or the old school tie, for that matter – is on the rise.  I fear that our Parliament and our politics would then be setting a regressive example to society.

Adam Afriyie MP: Gordon Brown's sudden abolition of the Department for Innovation was a snub to students, a blow for taxpayers and all about the survival of his weakened Government

Adam Afriyie is MP for Windsor and the Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation, whose role was recently transferred to the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The fate of the short-lived Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) is symptomatic of the desperation at the heart of Gordon Brown’s dying government. 

Over the past two years I’ve been delighted to work as part of the Shadow DIUS team, ably led by David Willetts.  We set out an ambitious vision to streamline skills funding and enhance the provision of careers advice and we have challenged the Government’s mindless cuts to second degree funding whilst pressing them to create flexible routes into higher education. 

I have also set out a clear vision for UK science and innovation – supporting evidence-based policy and scientific literacy, updating our intellectual property laws, improving innovative procurement practices and preserving the independence of the Research Councils.

Unfortunately, it seems the Prime Minister was never really interested in what’s best for innovation, universities and skills in Britain.  The survival of his weakened government appears to have been his first priority.