In March this year, Momentum’s Marlene Ellis found herself in the news accused of describing Chuka Umunna as not ‘politically black’. The activist — who has appeared alongside Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott — denied the claims, explaining that while she was not referring to Umunna specifically, she thought it was time MPs — black and white — had more of a ‘politically black perspective’:
‘We don’t think that politicians, black and white, have enough of a politically black perspective and would like to see more MPs, black and white, putting anti-racism and black liberation more at the heart of their politics.’
However, despite her pledge that she would like to see both black and white MPs putting ‘black liberation’ at the heart of their politics, Ellis appears to take a different approach with regards to who can be involved in the discussion. Mr S can disclose Facebook posts made by Ellis — in December — on the ‘Momentum Black ConneXions’ group which show that she made the group private after ‘white would-be members’ tried to join:
In the posts — made on Christmas day — Ellis promises to ‘turf out’ any white members who remain in the group:
Mr S has contacted Ellis for comment but is yet to receive a reply.
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