UK: Inquiry into ex-councillor's allegations against Cardiff's Labour group to get under way

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Earlier she had insisted that “discrimination” against the Ahmadiyya was “not confined to Cardiff”, adding: “It has been painfully evident in other areas of Britain.”

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Wales Online
By Huw Silk | December 8, 2016

Sue White says she has been told an investigation will be launched in the next few days

An investigation into allegations of discrimination and bullying made by a former Cardiff councillor is about to be launched by the Labour party.

Sue White resigned from Cardiff council ’s Labour group – and quit as a member of the authority itself – last month, alleging bullying within party ranks after she spoke up for a Muslim organisation.

She also claims Labour party “discrimination” against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (AMA) is not confined to the capital, and has written to the UK party’s general secretary Iain McNicol to demand an inquiry.

Labour promised an investigation, and Ms White says she has now been told one will start in the next few days.

The former Llandaff North councillor’s resignation from the Labour group was followed by scathing comments in which she claimed there was “a culture of bullying in the Cardiff council Labour group” and opposition to her support for the AMA had left her “sickened to the pit of my stomach”.

Days later Adamsdown councillor Manzoor Ahmed also opted to quit Labour . He now sits as an independent on the authority, where Labour’s majority has been reduced from 17 after the 2012 council election to just four now.

Now Ms White has confirmed: “I have been informed that an inquiry will start within the next few days which will involve an officer from Labour head office as well as the general secretary of Welsh Labour .

“I am pleased it appears that the statement I made about bullying and discrimination in Cardiff Labour group will be investigated thoroughly and proper procedures will be followed.”

Earlier she had insisted that “discrimination” against the Ahmadiyya was “not confined to Cardiff”, adding: “It has been painfully evident in other areas of Britain.”

In an email to Labour general secretary Mr McNicol, she wrote: “I have been informed that similar smear tactics are being used against the AMA in other parts of the country and I feel the Cardiff episode needs urgent and serious attention.

“Is the issue worthy of a national inquiry in view of the fact that it appears to be a national issue?

“I trust this will receive your urgent attention as the Labour party needs to treat discrimination of any kind extremely seriously.”

A Welsh Labour spokesman said the party would not be “providing a running commentary on the investigation”.

Last month a spokeswoman for Cardiff Labour said Ms White's concerns had been listened to and the council's approach to the AMA had been amended. She added: "The position of the group was changed to accommodate the views of Sue White and others that spoke in favour of the AMA at that meeting.

"We take all allegations of bullying seriously, and will work with Welsh Labour to look at the detail of Ms White's statement."

Welsh Labour added: “We will work with the Labour group to fully investigate these allegations. We have already provided substantial support to ensure good conduct within the group and we will continue to provide any support which is needed in the future.”

Following Ms White’s resignation, the AMA, which campaigns against extremism, said it was “shocked” to hear her reports of encountering “prejudice, bullying and bigotry simply for attending our peace events and Eid reception”.



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