CAMPAIGNERS called yesterday for better representation of disabled people in politics and an end to the barriers and discrimination they face.

Nearly a fifth of the population has some form of disability, but at the last election less than 1 per cent of candidates openly declared themselves disabled, Jonathan Fletcher of new group Project 125 told the Morning Star.

Disabled people are "virtually disenfranchised" across all parties, he argued, adding that there is a lack of awareness as well as lack of representation.

Mr Fletcher, a disabilities officer for Ashton-Under-Lyme Constituency Labour Party, said: "People on selection panels have low expectations of people with disabilities."

However, he pointed out that Sheffield Hallam — seen as unwinnable from former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg — and Battersea were now Labour constituencies, after disabled candidates Jared O'Mara and Marsha de Cordova achieved big swings, which he said had proved that disabled people could do it.

He stressed that disabled people want to be seen as succeeding on their merits, rather than being handed the job because they are disabled.

Mr O'Mara, who has cerebral palsy, told the Star that he supports the Project 125 campaign and highlighted the issue of accessible venues in politics.

He said: "The Palace of Westminster itself needs to be replaced with a new, purpose-built building that is accessible to every type of disability."

He suggested that the new building could be outside London because, he said, the capital also suffers from poor access for the disabled.

Further barriers include meetings not not being held in a format suitable for those with hearing difficulties, mental health issues or autism.

Mr Fletcher also said that door-to-door canvassing was a problem for many, explaining: "It's different if you are in a wheelchair. [CLPs] haven't considered phone-banking as an option, so it's another barrier.”

Project 125, which started on Facebook five days ago, already has 150 members nationwide. It aims to enable more people to become candidates by organising events and training.

The number 125 represents how many openly disabled candidates it wants Labour to put forward at every future general election.

Labour co-national campaign co-ordinator Andrew Gwynne is supporting the campaign, as is shadow immigration minister Afzal Khan.

Mr Fletcher said: "The strength of feeling has absolutely astounded me.

"I've never seen anything like it on Facebook at all. People are coming up with ideas, there is a momentum."

The group, which is open to all regardless of race, gender identity or sexual orientation, can be found on online at facebook.com/groups/150834285515698.