White Labour councillor tells Black History Month event he has ‘worst tan possible for a black man’

This is the moment a white Labour council leader sparked a racism row after joking he was ‘the worst tan possible for a black man’ at a Black History Month event. 

Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, who also said he had ‘the passion for the rhythm of the African and the Caribbean’, made the comments while wearing a kufi – a traditional hat in parts of Africa.

The politician has been accused of ‘pure racism’ over the remarks, which were made just moments after walking on stage while holding a Black History Month flag, and is set to be investigated.

As he was introduced there was laughter from the audience as he walked on wearing the kufi and draped in the flag. 

He later said: ‘You might have known that I’ve got the worst tan possible for a black man.

‘But I have the passion of the rhythm of the African and the Caribbean.’

The council leader added: ‘I used to do swing dance, because I used to love jiggling about.’

Rodwell, who is on the shortlist to replace Margaret Hodge as the Labour MP for Barking, has faced accusations of racism over the inflammatory comments.

Rodwell (left) sparked some laughter in the audience as he walked onstage at a Black History Month even wearing a kufi

He later unfurled a Black History Month flag while giving a speech at the event in east London

Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell made the comments at a Black History Month event 

A formal complaint about the remarks is said to have been made, and The Telegraph reported there was anger in political grassroots in the overwhelmingly Labour area in East London.

A source said: ‘Local members are very angry about this and are protesting this, which they see as pure racism by Darren Rodwell.’ 

The Labour Party would not comment directly on Rodwell’s words, but suggested they would be investigated.  

A spokesperson for the party said: ‘The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.’

Darren Rodwell has led Barking and Dagenham Council since 2014, for most of which time Labour has held every seat on the council.

He is now considered to be the frontrunner in replacing Dame Margaret Hodge as MP for Barking when she steps down at the next election after almost 30 years in the role. 

Darren Rodwell’s office was contacted for comment.

Dame Margaret Hodge will step down as Barking MP at the next election, having held the role since 1994