Menu
23/06/2008
Senior Advisor In London Mayor's Camp Resigns
A senior adviser to Boris Johnson has resigned over a remark he is alledged to have made to a journalist - sparked a racism row.
James McGrath was responding to the suggestion that Mr Johnson's election as London Mayor would lead to immigrants leaving the capital.
In an online article, Marc Wadsworth wrote that when he challenged Mr McGrath with the suggestion by black Voice columnist Darcus Howe, that Mr Johnson's election would "cause an exodus of Caribbean immigrants to their homelands", Mr McGrath allegedly said: "Well, let them go if they don't like it here".
It is understood that the comments were made to Mr Wadsworth, a journalist and campaigner, when he had pointed out Mr Howe's suggestion to Mr McGrath in an interview during the election campaign.
Mr McGrath retorted with a comment on the website saying that he "felt his suggestion was ridiculous and intended as a slur" and that "to imply I meant that all black people who didn't support Boris Johnson should leave the country is utterly absurd and incorrect".
The mayor has lent his support to Mr McGrath by saying that that the adviser is not a racist and the remarks were "quoted out of context".
However, Mr Johnson has accepted Mr McGrath's resignation after the interview was published online.
He also said that it would give his critics "ammunition" if Mr McGrath stayed in his job.
"James is not a racist. I know that. But his response to a silly and hostile suggestion put to him by Marc Wadsworth, allowed doubts to be raised about his commitment.
"I wish James well in the future, thank him for his contribution and urge everyone not to misrepresent his view or misinterpret his intentions any further," the mayor said.
Mr McGrath, a 34-year-old Australian, was appointed Director of Political Strategy at City Hall following Mr Johnson's victory over Ken Livingstone last month.
See: the-latest.com
(DS)
James McGrath was responding to the suggestion that Mr Johnson's election as London Mayor would lead to immigrants leaving the capital.
In an online article, Marc Wadsworth wrote that when he challenged Mr McGrath with the suggestion by black Voice columnist Darcus Howe, that Mr Johnson's election would "cause an exodus of Caribbean immigrants to their homelands", Mr McGrath allegedly said: "Well, let them go if they don't like it here".
It is understood that the comments were made to Mr Wadsworth, a journalist and campaigner, when he had pointed out Mr Howe's suggestion to Mr McGrath in an interview during the election campaign.
Mr McGrath retorted with a comment on the website saying that he "felt his suggestion was ridiculous and intended as a slur" and that "to imply I meant that all black people who didn't support Boris Johnson should leave the country is utterly absurd and incorrect".
The mayor has lent his support to Mr McGrath by saying that that the adviser is not a racist and the remarks were "quoted out of context".
However, Mr Johnson has accepted Mr McGrath's resignation after the interview was published online.
He also said that it would give his critics "ammunition" if Mr McGrath stayed in his job.
"James is not a racist. I know that. But his response to a silly and hostile suggestion put to him by Marc Wadsworth, allowed doubts to be raised about his commitment.
"I wish James well in the future, thank him for his contribution and urge everyone not to misrepresent his view or misinterpret his intentions any further," the mayor said.
Mr McGrath, a 34-year-old Australian, was appointed Director of Political Strategy at City Hall following Mr Johnson's victory over Ken Livingstone last month.
See: the-latest.com
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 December 2004
Patients can trust their doctors, says BMA
Patients can and do still trust their doctors, says the British Medical Association (BMA) on the day the fifth report of the Shipman Inquiry is published. The BMA said cumulative changes to the way doctors work, introduced since the conviction of Harold Shipman, justified the retention of professionally led regulation.
Patients can trust their doctors, says BMA
Patients can and do still trust their doctors, says the British Medical Association (BMA) on the day the fifth report of the Shipman Inquiry is published. The BMA said cumulative changes to the way doctors work, introduced since the conviction of Harold Shipman, justified the retention of professionally led regulation.
06 August 2014
Boris Johnson To Seek Election In 2015
Boris Johnson will "in all probability" seek to become an MP again in next year's general election. Ending months of speculation, the London Mayor made the remark in response to journalist's questions following a speech on EU Policy.
Boris Johnson To Seek Election In 2015
Boris Johnson will "in all probability" seek to become an MP again in next year's general election. Ending months of speculation, the London Mayor made the remark in response to journalist's questions following a speech on EU Policy.
24 September 2010
Livingstone Wins Nomination
Ken Livingstone has polled 68.8% of the votes to win Labour's nomination for the 2012 London mayoral election. Mr Livingstone, who served two terms as London mayor between 2000 and 2008, defeated former MP Oona King in the election. He will now run against Conservative representative Boris Johnson.
Livingstone Wins Nomination
Ken Livingstone has polled 68.8% of the votes to win Labour's nomination for the 2012 London mayoral election. Mr Livingstone, who served two terms as London mayor between 2000 and 2008, defeated former MP Oona King in the election. He will now run against Conservative representative Boris Johnson.
02 July 2013
Johnson Admits Considering Third Run At Mayor
Having previously insisted that he would not serve more than eight years, Boris Johnson has admitted that he is considering running for a third term as London mayor. The admission that he may consider standing a third time came during LBC's phone-in show, Ask Boris.
Johnson Admits Considering Third Run At Mayor
Having previously insisted that he would not serve more than eight years, Boris Johnson has admitted that he is considering running for a third term as London mayor. The admission that he may consider standing a third time came during LBC's phone-in show, Ask Boris.
03 September 2007
Boris Johnson Launches London Mayor Campaign
Conservative MP Boris Johnson has launched his campaign to become the party's candidate for London Mayor next year. Mr Johnson, former shadow minister for the arts and MP for Henley, launched his campaign at County Hall.
Boris Johnson Launches London Mayor Campaign
Conservative MP Boris Johnson has launched his campaign to become the party's candidate for London Mayor next year. Mr Johnson, former shadow minister for the arts and MP for Henley, launched his campaign at County Hall.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
