Speakers from across Merton and Wandsworth gathered in Tooting to share their experiences of political life and encourage those from under-represented communities to get involved.

Organised by Dan Watkins, the Conservative party spokesman for Tooting, and supported by the borough's mosques and the Conservative Muslim Forum, the event aimed to spark an interest in political involvement among the Muslim community.

Wandsworth Times:

The panel, including Zac Goldsmith MP and Justine Greening MP. 

More than 50 people attended, including Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Chair of the Balham Mosque and Tooting Islamic Centre.

Mr Watkins said: "I have worked closely with the Tooting Islamic community in recent years and know there is a deep pool of talent among the congregations of our local mosques.

"I am delighted we had such a good turn-out at the event and have already had several people come forward subsequently expressing a desire to get involved with local projects and campaigns.

"This meeting is the first of its kind and just a start, as I plan to run future events which bring together our diverse communities, through volunteering projects which improve our area and speaker events which focus on other important topics.

"The more time people of different backgrounds spend together, the more we realise how much we have in common, and the more we can achieve by working together in partnership."

Speakers included Abdul Latif, Merton Councillor, Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for International Development, Zac Goldsmith MP, Conservative Candidate for London Mayor, and Hasina Momtaz, broadcaster and campaigner, and Rabia Bhatti, Chair of CMF Women.

Ahmed Elmi, a Tooting resident, said: "It was informative and inspiring to hear views from so many high profile speakers, including two Muslim councillors, and the work they did and the local improvements they achieved for all of their constituents."