UK’s first hijab-wearing mayor resigns from Labour citing racism
Rakhia Ismail left the post of Islington mayor in September attacking system that ‘allows white men to have what they want, when they want’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK’s first hijab-wearing mayor has resigned from the Labour Party saying she felt “as a BME woman that I had no voice”.
Rakhia Ismail accused the local leadership in her north London council of “discrimination” when she stepped down as mayor of Islington in September and has now resigned as a councillor after eight years.
“I’m saddened deeply that the party I thought was for justice and fairness and ‘for the many’ is the opposite, from my personal experience,” she told The Guardian.
“Therefore, I find it hard to represent Holloway Ward as a Labour councillor because I was battling with a party system that simply allows white men to have what they want, when they want.”
Ms Ismail alleged Islamophobia among some colleagues was behind the decision by the council not to organise an event to mark the Muslim festival of Eid in 2019 and highlighted an incident in which a letter inviting her to Labour’s first national women’s conference had the word “Somalia” printed beneath her address.
Starmer faces backlash from Labour’s NEC over handling of abuse leak
Senior Labour staff will be in spotlight of party's internal inquiry
Patel calls Labour MPs including Diane Abbott ‘racist’
Labour’s dismissal of racism will lead to an exodus of black people
Keir Starmer announces ‘urgent investigation’ into leaked report
“What has my birthplace got to do with this invite? I was shocked,” she said.
She also alleged a Labour colleague shouted at her for damaging the reputation of the area after she raised the issue of knife crime in the media.
“It felt like me as a BME woman that I had no voice. In the end, I thought what’s the point?” she said.
A Labour spokesperson told The Guardian: “Cllr Ismail’s decision to resign is disappointing especially coming so soon after her term as mayor of Islington, having served the borough admirably through an incredibly challenging time.
“Islington Labour has a diverse and talented group of councillors serving their community.
“The Labour Party takes any allegations of discrimination received extremely seriously, which are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.