London's Black communities hold balance of power in Mayoral race

OBV's mayoral election campaign seeks to demonstrate that Black communities could hold the balance of power in the election race.

Each celebrity is featured in ads with the emblazoned strap line: "'1/3 of London and rising' Together we can decide who becomes Mayor."

In an election that has been dominated by selection shenanigans or transport, transport, transport, the voices of Black Londoners - who according to the London Research Centre make up one third of the Capital - are being lost.

Attendees: Steve Norris, Frank Dobson, Trevor Phillips, Susan Kramer, Darren Johnson, Ken Livingstone and Assembly candidates.

Venue: Vauxhall Cross/Parry Street Island SW1. Date/Time: Thursday 9th March @ 10.45AM.

National Co-ordinator Simon Woolley states: 'With a massive mobilisation of the Black Vote, it would be political suicide for the candidates to ignore re the communities concerns. Tackling unemployment, equality of opportunity and ensuring we olice force that works with us not against us are our priorities.'

Liberal Dem mayoral candidate, Susan Kramer states: It is vital to work with all of Londoners including the capitals Black communities. I support the creation of the Black Londoners Forum and I will ensure that my administration represents the capitals diversity to ensure effective policies.'

Conservative mayoral candidate Steve Norris states: 'Operation Black Vote is important for one simple reason: every Londoner should have a say in the issues that affect us directly. A society based on respect; a society based on jobs and opportunity, a society that recognises equality as an indivisible commodity.'

Labour party mayoral candidate Frank Dobson states: 'This will probably be the most important election ever in this country from the point of view of black Britons. Not only will the size of their vote make a huge difference but the issues with which they are concerned will be central to the campaign.'

Independent mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone states: 'Too often Black Londoners have been poorly represented in the democratic process, and their talent and energy wasted. A dynamic Greater London Authority must ensure all Londoners have a strong political voice.'

Notes to the editor

One third of the capital's population are Black. This figure is projected to rise to 40% by 2004 according to Home Office figures.