'Racist remark' made by 'Labour source' regarding West Midlands - Birmingham MPs responds

By Rushana Miller

Digital Journalist

Published 4th May 2024, 12:55 BST

Updated 4th May 2024, 13:00 BST

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“Racist” comment within the 'Labour source' for West Midlands mayoral race

The Labour Party has firmly condemned what it characterises as a “racist” remark made by a source within the party.

This source informed the BBC of their prediction that Richard Parker, the party’s candidate, was likely to lose in the West Midlands mayoral election.

They said this potential loss to the significant support for independent candidate Akhmed Yakoob, who campaigned on a pro-Gaza platform.

A Labour Party spokesperson, however, dismissed the comments, saying that no one had made them on the party's behalf.

What was the controversial quote?

The source had said: "It’s the Middle East, not West Midlands, that will have won [Conservative candidate] Andy Street the mayoralty. Once again Hamas are the real villains."

The quote immediately drew fierce criticism both inside and outside the Labour Party.

Labour condemns 'racist remark' by party source — Labour condemns 'racist remark' by party source | Getty Images Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

Labour condemns 'racist remark' by party source — Labour condemns 'racist remark' by party source | Getty Images Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

A Conservative source described it as "vile" and insisted the contest was "extremely close".

A Labour spokesperson said: "The Labour Party has strongly condemned this racist quote, which has not come from anyone who is speaking on behalf of the party or who’s values are welcome in the party."

How did Birmingham MPs react to the quote?

Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips called for the individual responsible for the comments to be "thrown out of the Labour Party."

She added: "I am glad that the Labour party have quickly condemned it."

Incumbent Conservative Andy Street is seeking a third term, in the West Midlands mayoral race . He’s up against candidates, Labour’s Richard Parker, Reform UK’s Elaine Williams, Green Party’s Siobhan Harper-Nunes, independent Akhmed Yakoob, and Liberal Democrat Sunny Virk. — Incumbent Conservative Andy Street is seeking a third term, in the West Midlands mayoral race . He’s up against candidates, Labour’s Richard Parker, Reform UK’s Elaine Williams, Green Party’s Siobhan Harper-Nunes, independent Akhmed Yakoob, and Liberal Democrat Sunny Virk. | Getty Images

Incumbent Conservative Andy Street is seeking a third term, in the West Midlands mayoral race . He’s up against candidates, Labour’s Richard Parker, Reform UK’s Elaine Williams, Green Party’s Siobhan Harper-Nunes, independent Akhmed Yakoob, and Liberal Democrat Sunny Virk. — Incumbent Conservative Andy Street is seeking a third term, in the West Midlands mayoral race . He’s up against candidates, Labour’s Richard Parker, Reform UK’s Elaine Williams, Green Party’s Siobhan Harper-Nunes, independent Akhmed Yakoob, and Liberal Democrat Sunny Virk. | Getty Images

And Tahir Ali, MP for Birmingham Hall Green, described the comment as "vile racism".

"I unequivocally condemn it and am glad that the Labour Party has done the same," he said.

"Such anti-Muslim bigotry will only serve to alienate a community that has long supported Labour in its efforts to transform this country for the better.

"Treating voters with such a lack of respect is deplorable and should not be tolerated."

When is the result for the West Midlands Mayoral Election expected?

The result in the contest for mayor of the West Midlands is not expected until Saturday afternoon.

READ MORE: West Midlands Elections 2024: When will the West Midlands Mayor election result be announced?

Labour Mayor West Midlands

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