Labor accused of racism after source blames Hamas for projected mayoral loss

A Labor Party source in the West Midlands has predicted that Richard Parker, the party's candidate, will lose to Andy Street. Photo: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images Europe

The forecast, made before the votes were counted, was seen by Labor headquarters as an attempt by local members to preemptively shift the blame to them.

Birmingham Council, a company run by the Labor Party , was forced to cut services and increase council tax by 21 per cent after it was effectively declared bankrupt last year.

The insider quote sparked anger among Labor MPs who said it was wrong suggest that voters who left the party because of its position on Gaza are extremists.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham, said: “This is a disgusting way to talk about Muslim voters, lumping them in with Hamas and treating them as a monolith. This reeks of racism and entitlement. Such comments should have no place in the Labor Party.»

Zara Sultana, MP for Coventry South, added: “I am once again deeply concerned by the Islamophobic quotes provided to the media by Labor sources.”

“When politicians are faced with racist bile, it should be condemned immediately. As a party, we must listen and acknowledge concerns rather than disdain British Muslims.»

Tahir Ali, Member MP for Birmingham Hall Green, called the remark «disgusting racism» and that «treating voters with such disrespect is deplorable and should not be tolerated.»

“This kind of anti-Muslim bigotry will only alienate a community that has long supported the Labor Party in its efforts to transform this country for the better,” he added.

Following the backlash, Labor Party headquarters distanced itself from the anonymous quote and insisted on it. did not reflect the party's views.

A spokesman said: “The Labor Party strongly condemned this racist quote, which did not come from anyone who spoke on behalf of the party or whose values ​​are celebrated in

The scandal cast a shadow over Sir Keir Starmer's day as he celebrated a series of landslide victories over the Conservatives in council elections.

Across the country, Labor has staged a coup. this would be enough to carry it comfortably into power if it were repeated in a general election later this year, but evidence has emerged that Muslim voters have deserted the party over its stance on Gaza as it has suffered in such regions like Oldham and Bolton.