Brighton and Hove Green Party hope to improve diversity

People of colour who are interested in standing as councillors are invited to the BMECP Centre in Fleet Street, Brighton, tomorrow to find out what it takes.

Ria Patel, equality and diversity spokeswoman for the Green Party of England and Wales, and Kahina Bouhassane, an upcoming candidate in next year’s Brighton and Hove local election, will give speeches on the day.

Ria Patel

Hannah Clare, co-deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: Brighton and Hove Green Party have worked hard on our diversity over the past five years, and have successfully increased the number of women and young councillors.

“But we recognise that there are still very few councillors from a minority ethnic background, and we believe we need to do better.

“We want to make sure that our councillors accurately represent the communities we see across the city.

“This event is an exciting opportunity and a safe space for any people of colour with even a passing curiosity about what it is like to stand for the Green Party to find out more information, ask questions, and learn about the experiences of those who have already done it.”

Kahina Bouhassane

The networking event will start at 10am and last for 90 minutes.

Cllr Clare recently criticised Tory Samer Bagaeen, after he described himself as the only ethnic minority councillor in the city.

She said he had “erased the identity” of a Jewish councillor and another who is Irish, and told him via Twitter: “It’s not a good look to erase the identity of an ethnically Jewish councillor who also defines as black and minority ethnic (Bame).”

Councillor Hannah Clare

She pointed out that Councillor Leo Littman is Ashkenazi Jewish and council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty is white Irish.

“While we know that black, brown and Asian people often experience a different type of racism that most pale-skinned minorities usually avoid, it is also true to say that many different communities experience racism,” she said.