Labour condemns 'racist remark' by party source

The Labour Party has strongly condemned what it describes as a "racist" comment provided by a party source.

The source told the BBC they believed its candidate Richard Parker was on course for defeat in the West Midlands mayoral race.

They cited support for independent candidate Akhmed Yakoob, who stood on a pro-Gaza ticket as a major factor.

However, an official Labour spokesperson disowned the remarks, saying they had not come from anyone speaking on behalf of the party.

The source had said: "It’s the Middle East, not West Midlands, that will have won [Conservative candidate] Andy Street the mayoralty. Once again Hamas are the real villains."

The quote immediately drew fierce criticism both inside and outside the Labour Party.

A Conservative source described it as "vile" and insisted the contest was "extremely close".

A Labour spokesperson said: "The Labour Party has strongly condemned this racist quote, which has not come from anyone who is speaking on behalf of the party or who’s values are welcome in the party."

Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips called for the individual responsible for the comments to be "thrown out of the Labour Party."

She added: "I am glad that the Labour party have quickly condemned it."

And Tahir Ali, MP for Birmingham Hall Green, described the comment as "vile racism".

"I unequivocally condemn it and am glad that the Labour Party has done the same," he said.

"Such anti-Muslim bigotry will only serve to alienate a community that has long supported Labour in its efforts to transform this country for the better.

"Treating voters with such a lack of respect is deplorable and should not be tolerated."

The result in the contest for mayor of the West Midlands is not expected until Saturday afternoon.

Visit the BBC's local election results live page for all the latest from across England and Wales.

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