Research at Southampton University by law professor Lawrence Lustgarden showed that Britain jails more Black people per head of population than the USA.

OBV began by collating political and demographic data in marginal constituencies, and soon realised that the Black vote was potentially immensely powerful.

In just ten months, OBV held more than 100 meetings at schools, colleges, community centres, local party offices and town halls up and down the country.

"[4][5] Liberal Democrats leader Paddy Ashdown pledged to make the House of Commons more representatives, and described it as "a white, male, middle-class club", and Tony Blair emphasised his lifetime commitment "to fight against racism".

Operation Black Vote’s work covers four main areas: OBV Canada is a separately incorporated non-profit established in 2004.