Rt Hon Keith Vaz has been re-elected to the National Executive of the Labour party as Its Black Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) representative defeating his opponent by 72.2%-28.8%, a record margin. Mr Vaz has served on the NEC for 10 years and is now the longest serving MP of ethnic origin to serve on the body in its history. His term is for a further 2 years.
The election was seen as part of a wider struggle for control of the party between far-left Jeremy Corbyn supporters and more established figures in the Labour hierarchy. Grassroots pro-Corbyn campaign group Momentum made a video supporting Asghar Khan, a Labour councillor in Leeds, for the role representing BAME Labour on the NEC, The Daily Mail reported.
Rt Hon Keith Vaz in a statement told Asian Voice, ‘‘I am delighted to have been re-elected to the Labour NEC with over 70% of the vote. I am looking forward to continuing the vital work that I have been carrying out in the position for the last decade.
“Labour is the party of diversity and has a good record but we must do more. Over 12% of the PLP is represented by BAME MP’s and it is essential to build on this.
“During my campaign I pledged that Labour will work towards having one BAME MP in every major city. I will work tirelessly as BAME representative to ensure that this happens.
“I would like to thank all those who voted for me and I am greatly humbled at my election. I want to see even more ethnic minority people on the governing bodies of all major parties.’’
