A councillor is facing an investigation over claims he told a man looking to succeed Wolverhampton MP Ken Purchase he would never be chosen because he is black.
Fallings Park councillor Steve Evans is accused of making the comment to potential candidate Floyd Millen at a recent party meeting.
Mr Millen wrote to the Labour Party’s deputy leader Harriet Harman to complain and an inquiry has been ordered.
Councillor Evans today denied making the remark and said a conversation had been taken out of context.
Mr Millen, aged 39, is one of 40 potential candidates who want to run for Labour when veteran MP Mr Purchase steps down from the Wolverhampton North East seat.
The comments are alleged to have been made at Low Hill Community Centre last Saturday.
In an email to Miss Harman seen by the Express & Star Mr Millen said: “I was appalled at what was said to me regarding the fact that being black automatically eliminated me from ever being selected in Wolverhampton North East.
“Councillor Steven Evans asked me ‘do you think the Americans would elect Obama, a black man?’ to which he responded ‘no way’.
“I asked him why not and he responded ‘because he is black’. Councillor Evans then added that I do not stand a chance here because I am black, because I moved away to go to university and that I now live and work outside the constituency.”
Councillor Evans said he never told Mr Millen a black man would not be elected. “I have actively campaigned against the British National Party and would never say anything racist,” he added.
“When I referred to Barack Obama I was merely making a statement that things have progressed but not enough. From the news articles I have read I don’t think America is ready for a black president.”
He said Mr Millen asked for his support but he said he would prefer a candidate who had lived and worked in Wolverhampton, rather than one who had moved away. Labour Party spokeswoman Caroline Badley said: “This matter will be fully investigated.”
By Daniel Wainwright
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