Liberal Democrats put up Indian-origin woman in British polls

Indian-origin mother-of-two Gita Gordon was chosen by Britain's Liberal Democrats as their candidate from the South Shields constituency for the parliamentary elections slated in May, media reported Wednesday.

The Blackpool-based Gordon is the first black and minority ethnic (BME) candidate chosen to fight a northeast British constituency for the Liberal Democrats, The Shields Gazette reported.

However, she faces a tough challenge to turn around her party's fortunes in the town, after its support slumped dramatically in the 2013 parliamentary by-election, in which Labour Party's Emma Lewell-Buck triumphed.

Gordon, who has two young daughters, has worked as a business development executive, including helping to launch new lines for Calvin Klein perfumes.

She has a degree in welfare studies from the University of Central Lancashire and also has career experience in the care sector, giving her particular experience and expertise in issues relating to victims of domestic violence, mental health, disadvantaged children, young people and adults, and those with disabilities.

Born in India, she speaks fluent Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu and has a working knowledge of Bengali.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to stand as a candidate at the election for South Shields, and I look forward to campaigning on the Liberal Democrat record in government, including championing equal treatment for mental health (patients) and helping to secure a greater voice for the vulnerable and socially excluded," the report quoted Gordon as saying.

"I believe in supporting people through a strong economy, generating real growth in jobs, apprenticeships, and standards of living, as well as improving our surroundings and environment to make life more pleasant and beautiful."

Gordon is also a member and volunteer with Soroptomists International, a women's organisation which focuses on improving the lives for women globally, and has also been a volunteer for the British Heart Foundation and Age Concern.