Andrew Stunell Fund

Andrew speaking with young people in Bournemouth ©John Russell

Unlocking talent, not privilege

Lord Andrew Stunell dedicated his life to making politics more inclusive – not just for the well-connected or well-funded, but for everyone with the passion and commitment to serve.

In the place he called home, we're proud to honour that legacy through the Andrew Stunell Fund. Established by Andrew's mentee and Hazel Grove MP, Lisa Smart, the Fund helps people from underrepresented backgrounds take their first step into politics through paid internships.

Each internship combines experience in both Lisa's Parliamentary office and Hazel Grove Constituency Liberal Democrats, giving interns practical experience across Westminster, constituency casework and local campaigning. Training, mentoring and development help remove the barriers that too often prevent talented people from getting involved in public life.

Help unlock talent, not privilege

Andrew believed that politics should be open to everyone, not just the well-connected or well-funded. He helped me understand what it truly means to make a difference in public life: to listen, to serve, and to bring others with you.
Lisa Smart MP

Lisa and Andrew with campaigners behind them.

Help continue Andrew's legacy

Thanks to the generosity of Andrew's friends, colleagues and supporters, we've already welcomed our first Andrew Stunell Intern. Now we're raising funds to make sure the next talented young person gets the same opportunity.

Lisa is committed to ensuring every Andrew Stunell Intern gains experience of both parliamentary and party political work. Part of the programme is funded through her Parliamentary budget, while donations help cover the campaigning, mentoring, training and development that make the internship unique.

It costs around £10,000 each year to run the programme. Every donation helps keep Andrew's legacy alive by opening politics to talented people who might otherwise never have the opportunity.

Donate today!

What your donation will do

Your support helps provide:

Paid internship opportunities
Professional training and mentoring
Experience in Parliament and local campaigning
Secondment and networking opportunities

Every donation helps provide a paid internship that combines practical experience, professional development and mentoring, giving talented people the confidence, skills and experience to build a career in public service.

Lord Andrew Stunell OBE

Over the years, Andrew served as a local councillor in Stockport, and as Hazel Grove’s Member of Parliament for 18 years before he stood down, becoming a hard-working member of the House of Lords.

Andrew was known by many local people for his genuine dedication, making a real difference even to individual problems that could be life-changing, as well as campaigning on wider issues like the NHS and using his expertise to make legal reforms on building standards. Nationally, he was respected for his quiet authority and extensive knowledge.

With all that, he also found time to be a loving husband, father and grandfather as well as an active church member. Working to the end, he was a principled and practical politician who proved that winning can mean making a difference.

Meet Shirin our 2025/26 Intern

"Being born in Iran, living in Turkey, then moving to the UK away from family and friends has exposed me to a variety of experiences, which have deepened my passion for human rights and striving for a better future.

"During my time as the first Andrew Stunell Intern, I have gained experience, skills, and knowledge of campaigning, casework, and in Westminster. I am now able to navigate high-intensity situations and help friends and family improve their lives and access resources that I previously did not know about.

"My learning and experience from this internship has altered my educational, professional, and personal life for the better. I have been able to stand up for causes that I am passionate about and hear many perspectives which I otherwise wouldn’t have known.

"Thanks to Lisa and the Andrew Stunell Fund, I feel I am now able to access opportunities within politics and international relations that as a young woman of colour I may not have been able to access otherwise.

"I am a step closer to helping others and making the world a better place. This was made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, allowing people like me to change their lives for the better."