TORIES “SHOULD DROP CANDIDATE” IN RACISM ROW

06-03-2010

Labour councillor Derek Rowley is calling on Sandwell Tories to drop one of their candidates at the forthcoming elections after being vindicated in a racism row.

Rowley was cleared by the local government standards board after being accused of showing disrespect to Tony Roper, a prominent Tipton businessman.

Roper was angry because the councillor had accused him, in front of witnesses, of being a racist – a claim that was forcefully denied.

Unfortunately for him, Rowley stood his ground, and was ultimately absolved on three counts after putting forward a robust defence.

His evidence included:

• The fact that in 2001, Roper had signed the nomination papers of National Front candidate John Salvage who was standing for parliament in West Bromwich West
• In 2005, Roper refused to hand the Tipton Christmas lights to the Council because deputy mayor Amadul Haque was “the wrong colour” (Roper admitted he'd used the phrase, but argued that he meant ‘political colour’ rather than race).
• In 2008, he supported a local BNP candidate against Labour. (Roper claimed that this was to keep Labour out, not because he’s a BNP supporter).

What makes this so embarrassing for the Tories is that Roper is standing as their candidate in Princes End in May.

Rowley said, “It’s disgraceful that he should be able to infiltrate in this way. David Cameron has made it clear that he won’t stand for racism.

“Tony Roper should stand under his true colours for a racist party.”

When we contacted Sandwell’s Tory leader Tony Ward yesterday, he said it was the first he’d heard of board’s outcome, but “would be discussing it with his colleagues”.

We invited him and Tony Roper to comment further, and will publish their replies when we get them.

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