Kate Osamor wins selection battle in Edmonton

Earlier this week, it was announced that well-known union activist, Kate Osamor, won the Edmonton Labour candidacy. The other two candidates—Kate Anolue and Ayfer Orhan, of Nigerian and Turkish descent respectively made up an All- BME short list.

The seat became available after Labour incumbent, Andy Love MP announced he would not be seeking re-election this year. The Labour Party’s All BME short-list was a strategic response to criticisms over their lack of black representation.

Osamor’s candidacy signifies a continued movement towards more BME political involvement. Whilst this is a step forward, more works need to be done. Despite this instance of Labour’s efforts to provide a better representation of their constituency, the overall efforts from the party to include BME candidates remain a challenge.

Needless to say, Osamor’s win of the Edmonton Labour seat is significant in many ways and will hopefully inspire a generation of young BME women to come forward and ensure our institutions are more diverse.

There’s also a special bit of history for the Osamor family. Kate is the daughter of the well respected former Haringey councillor, Martha Osamor,. If Osamor wins the Edmonton seat for Labour, she will be joining a small group of women from African and Caribbean descent in parliament which includes Diane Abbott, Chi Onwurah and Helen Grant.

Andi Guede