The Shadow Minister for Immigration has passed away at the age of 73. According to Press Association: “Labour MP Jack Dromey died suddenly in his flat in Birmingham on Friday morning, a statement issued on behalf of the 73-year-old shadow minister’s family said”. Condolences to Harriet Harman and the entire family. Rest in Peace.

Starmer statement:

“The proud son of Irish parents, Jack Dromey dedicated his life to standing up for working people through the Labour movement, becoming Deputy General Secretary of the UK’s largest trade union and then a Labour MP.

From supporting the strike at the Grunwick film processing laboratory, when he met Harriet, through to being elected to represent Birmingham Erdington in 2010, Jack lived his commitment to social justice every day.

Jack was recognised for his determination to stand up for his constituents and he was highly respected and warmly regarded across Parliament.

My thoughts and those of the whole Labour movement are with Harriet, their children and all those who knew and loved Jack.”

 

Labour councillor Ansar Ali Khan has called for a public apology from Birmingham Erdington MP Jack Dromey, who himself insisted Khan apologise for appearing to call their constituency “shit” in leaked footage revealed last week. Following Dromey’s statement – in which he demanded that Khan “apologise to the people of Erdington” – Khan immediately pushed back with demands of his own:

“In actual fact, what I was saying in the video is: ‘is constituency vich/ich’ […] I am shocked and disappointed to see a statement by Member of Parliament Jack Dromey on this issue, demanding me to apologise for something I definitely did not say or do…

“Despite not naming me in the statement, it is clear that Jack Dromey MP was referring to me and I am very disappointed that he chose to address the allegation in this manner without verifying what I actually said in the video

I demand a public apology from Jack Dromey MP.”

Dromey is yet to respond…

Following our exclusive video of Labour councillor Ansar Ali Khan appearing to call his Erdington constituency “sh*t“, whilst leafletting on behalf of Labour MP Jack Dromey, the MP has issued a statement:

“Like many Erdington residents, I find these comments outrageous and deeply offensive. I have made my views clear to the volunteer and expressed my disgust at what was said. I strongly disassociate myself from these remarks. I am proud to have served as the Member of Parliament for Erdington since 2010 and these comments in no way reflect my views of the fantastic and vibrant community we have here. I have been informed the matter is being referred to the West Midlands Labour Party for them to investigate and take action. I have also demanded the volunteer apologise to the people of Erdington.”

So far Ansar Ali Khan has not apologised.

A co-conspirator sent in this clip of a volunteer for Labour MP Jack Dromey apparently calling his own constituency “sh*t” … as he leafleted within that constituency. The disgruntled constituent added: “whilst it isn’t the best area in which to live, this is upsetting and infuriating.” Dromey’s been the MP for Birmingham Erdington for 11 years…

UPDATE: The man in the video has been identified as Labour councillor Ansar Ali Khan, a member (and former assistant leader) of Birmingham City Council. Co-conspirators may also remember Khan as one of the organisers of Labour’s sex-segregated rally back in 2015…