Labour fails London's Black communities

Labours response has been that is 'halfway there to reaching its objectives' only adds insult to injury. In the past Labour and other political parties have argued that the problem lies with Black communities not putting themselves forward. But with over 50 Black candidates applying Labour cannot use this excuse.

Simon Woolley OBV's co-ordinator stated that: "This is a disaster for London's Black communities. We were promised that this new democratic institution would give Black Londoners a share of the decision making process. Once again we have been failed. Labour leadership must take responsibility for this unacceptable failure, after all it was the London Minister who stated that if the new assembly was not representative of the capitals cultural diversity then he would view the Assembly 'a failure.' "

Lee Jasper, Chair of OBV argued: "Many Black people will inevitably see Labour's actions as a slap in face for their unrivalled loyalty for the Labour party. -90% of the African and Caribbean electorate vote Labour- If Labours rank and file supporters still refuse to vote for Black candidates then positive action that has ensured gender parity must be implemented."

Although Labour will have another chance to make some amends in the top up list, all estimates are that Labour will only win two of the eleven places.

Notes to the editor:

96 of African and Caribbean youths said they would vote if there was someone to vote for.(Hothouse marketing 97) 27% of Black communities are not even registered to vote, that compares with 6% of the white communities. (Anwar Research 97).