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 had ‘the worst tan possible for a black man’ at a Black History Month event. 

Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council in east London, also said he had ‘the passion for the rhythm of the African and the Caribbean’. 

He 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 that were made moments after walking on stage while holding a Black History Month flag. 

They are set to be investigated. 

He walked on stage at the event, wearing the kufi and draped in the flag, to laughter from the audience. 

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

‘But I have the passion for 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 Dame 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 on stage at a Black History Month while wearing a kufi, a traditional hat worn in parts of Africa 

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 is said to have been made, and The Telegraph reported there was anger in political grassroots in the overwhelmingly Labour area.

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 party spokesman 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.’ 

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 as MP when she steps down at the next election after almost 30 years in the role.  

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