Moment kufi-wearing white Labor council leader jokes he has ‘the worst possible suit for a black man’ and ‘the passion for African rhythm’ as he hosts Black History Month event: Politician faces investigation after sparking race feud
Darren Rodwell is the leader of East London Barking and Dagenham Council
He told a Black History Month event that he was ‘the worst possible color for a black man’
Local activists allegedly furious, with one accusing Rodwell of ‘pure racism’
The councilor is a frontrunner to replace Margaret Hodge as MP for Barking
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This is when a white Labor council leader sparked a racism spat after joking at a Black History Month event that he was “the worst possible color for a black man.”
Darren Rodwell, leader of East London’s Barking and Dagenham Council, also said he had ‘a passion for the rhythm of the African and Caribbean’.
He made the comments while wearing a kufi, a hat traditional in parts of Africa.
The politician has been accused of “pure racism” over comments made shortly after he walked onstage while holding a Black History Month flag.
They are about to be examined.
He walked onto the stage during the event, wearing the kufi and draped in the flag, to the laughter of the crowd.
He later said, “You should have known that I am the worst possible color for a black man.
‘But I have a passion for the rhythm of the African and the Caribbean.’
The council leader adds: ‘I used to do swing dance because I used to love to wiggle.’
Rodwell, who is shortlisted to replace Dame Margaret Hodge as Labor MP for Barking, has been accused of racism over the inflammatory comments.
Rodwell (left) caused some laughter from the crowd when he took the stage during a Black History Month wearing a kufi, a traditional hat worn in parts of Africa
He later unfurled a Black History Month flag while giving a speech at the East London event
Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell made the comments at a Black History Month event
A formal complaint was allegedly lodged, and The Telegraph reported that there was anger among political supporters in the predominantly Labor area.
A source said: ‘Local members are very angry about this and are protesting what they see as pure racism from Darren Rodwell.’
The Labor Party declined to comment directly on Rodwell’s words, but suggested they be investigated.
A party spokesman said: “The Labor Party takes all complaints very seriously and they are fully investigated in accordance with our rules and procedures and appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”
Rodwell has headed Barking and Dagenham Council since 2014, during which time Labor has taken every seat on the council.
He is now considered to be the frontrunner in replacing Dame Margaret as MP when she steps down in the next election after nearly 30 years in the role.
Rodwell’s office was contacted for comment.
Dame Margaret Hodge will resign as Barking MP in the next election, having held the role since 1994