Amid other concerns over the party’s response to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, they expressed fears that black voters could be pushed away. But it was the allegations of racism and sexism in conversations between officials that antagonised black voters. Behind the scenes, Starmer also faced a backlash from Labour’s BAME staff network, numbering about 40 workers. Black Labour MPs, including Florence Eshalomi and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, publicly contradicted their leader. In a statement released through Labour HQ, Lammy said: “I do agree there is much more the Labour party has to do to promote and support BAME staff.

Source: The Guardian August 13, 2020 11:24 UTC