Matthew Ryder QC appointed London Deputy Mayor

The human rights barrister Matthew Ryder QC has been appointed London’s first Black Deputy Mayor by Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Ryder has been given responsibility for the capital’s social cohesion, social mobility and community integration.

On his appointment Mr Ryder, said:

We’re really keen to make sure everybody is actively working and living side by side, leading interconnected lives, rather than diverse communities in little silos.”

He admitted it is a “daunting” task and the role is still “a bit fuzzy” as he will have to make sure it touches everything City Hall does.

Ryder made his name working with Doreen Lawrence in her quest for justice for her murdered son Stephen. On that campaign both he and the Mayor Khan would have collaborated.

When asked by a reporter whether he still feels the Met are institutionally racist he frankly replied:

Yes, like all major institutions and organisations."

Throughout his career he has taken on the police - and security services - over issues ranging from undercover surveillance to unlawful detention. Can they trust him now? He said:

Yes, I think so, I spent a lot of time bringing legal challenges but there are lots of people within the police who are enthusiastic about making sure they get it right. Outside of the courtroom, it needn’t be antagonistic.”

Mr Ryder, 48, who is of mixed Jamaican and English heritage, said he has been stopped by police himself on multiple occasions.

I don’t know any black guy my age who isn’t able to talk to you about being stopped and searched. I’m not immensely resentful, that isn’t what made me do the work that I do, but it’s an aspect of life.”

Mr Ryder agreed having a Muslim mayor is a positive symbol for London but added:

Just as having a black US president didn’t solve racism, a Muslim mayor of itself isn’t going to solve Islamaphobia.

We wish Matthew the very best and where necessary we’ll seek to work with him and support him to achieve our shared goals.

Simon Woolley