A HR consultant has been handpicked to shadow two Conservative MPs as part of a scheme to nuture the next generation of politicians and community leaders.

Kiran Cheema, of Hounslow, is one of 31 people selected to take part in the scheme run by Operation Black Vote and the Communities and Local Government department.

Over the next six months she will shadow Brentford and Isleworth MP Mary Macleod and Margot James, Tory MP for Stourbridge.

The candidates will receive guidance and training from their mentors – MPs and peers from the three main political parties, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party.

It is hoped many will follow their political ambitions by standing as councillors or MPs making Government more reflective of the communities it serves.

Ms Cheema, who was chosen from 150 applicants to take part in the mentoring scheme, said: “It is important because I can learn more about political life and the role an MP plays in dictating and encouraging change.”