Labour criticised over “shameful” lack of BAME candidates in key seats

Labour MPs have called on Ed Miliband to do more to ensure that more Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates are elected in May.

Such calls have emerged partly because only one candidate who identifies as being from a minority ethnic background – Tulip Siddiq in Hampstead and Kilburn – has been selected in the 34 seats where Labour MPs are stepping down.

In addition, for ultra-marginal seats where Labour stands the best chance of winning, only a very small number of candidates are BAME.

David Lammy, MP for Tottenham and London Mayoral candidate, told the Independent that given these dismal figures, Labour must ensure that at least one ethnic minority candidate is on shortlists, particularly in constituencies that tend not to choose BAME  candidates.

Lammy said Labour’s approach to minority ethnic candidate stands in stark contrast to Labour’s drive to ensure more women are selected through All-Women shortlists, warning:

“The party is in danger of looking incredibly complacent. Britain’s ethnic minorities have traditionally voted Labour but Parliament is a long, long way from reflecting the nation as a whole. If we are failing to select enough on a regional basis over a period of time, we ought to think about black and minority shortlists, with at least one on the list.”

Meanwhile, a member of the party’s NEC told The Independent:

“Our record so far has been shameful. It gives the impression that we are taking the votes of ethnic-minority candidates for granted. But 2015 might be the last year we can do that.”

A spokesperson for Labour said:

“We know there is always more to do and we will continue to work hard to ensure that we break down the barriers to political participation.”

This also comes as research suggests support for Labour from different minority ethnic communities is falling. The British Election Study found that the number of people who identified as being Indian and said they identified with Labour fell from 77% in 1997 to 18% in 2014, while amongst those who identify as being Pakistani the drop was from 77% to 57%, and for those who identify as being Caribbean the drop was from 78% to 67%.

What this all suggests is when it comes to talking to and addressing policy to people from BAME backgrounds, Labour needs to do a lot more.