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There is strong feeling in BRENT tories that Bob Blackman has become an embarrassment to his own party and we the young black conservative members in his ward have no intentions of ever voting for him again. I was also at the MAYOR making in BRENT the night before and his presence in the party has become unbearable. The tories must find a way of getting rid of him if they want to stand any chance of winning seats. Central office please intervene here before the tories in BRENT are completely wiped out.

- Marian, marian

I agree with Odinga's remark with the breaching of the group"s constitution.They also breached the rules with the data protection of the members of Brent North constituency.They bussed in people from the old Brent South constituency who belonged to the NEW Brent Central
constituency.Now that the rules were breached is central office going to take action.

- Carol, hayes

I leave in Brent and follow the party poltics
Despite Bob Blackman's defeat he and his henchman/chairman have again created problems in the conservative groups agm by breaching the groups constitution at the start of the municipal calendar year. When is the David Cameron and his party going to intervene to stop this dictator who has been leader of the group for 17 years corruption tends to flourish the longer an incumbent is able to hold power.

- Odinga, Harrow

I must thank the Evening Standard for exposing the mother of all "hidden agendas" BOB Blackman not to mislead the people of Brent by speaking with a false tongue. These two young black males who leave in his ward will understand that people like him and his henchman may survive in the Tory Party but the electorate could see through him that he would not get elected.

- Maina, Kingburuy

Cllr Bob Blackman has paid the price he has lost his GLA seat by 1649 votes to Cllr Navin Shah (Labour).

- True Blue, Brent - UK

Its important after the blatant attitude of GLA member Bob Blackmam calling it a hidden agenda when this is a young black males were only exercising their right to attend the meeting and cast their vote they were stopped we therefore need to go out and vote for the London election because like him, Bob Blackmam masquerade as democrats. He must be stopped.

- Jane, Willesden

This security personnel/chairman of Brent North two months ago dialled the police to evict a non-white member of the conservative party. This is the danger we have in London of people like him with far right political views that are sheltered in conservative party. We must expose and condemn people who promote this dogma.

- Carol, Cricklewood

GLA assembly member Bob Blackman must be stopped in Brent as he is an arrogant & incompetent leader. I hope this decent mother and black family take him and the association to the cleaners. This 21st century attitude in forward looking borough like Brent should not shelter undesirables.

- Nagala, Willesden Green

This horrendous 'tale of 2 colours- white v black' seem to be drifting into a KKK saga. We need to stop the revival of such extremist groups in Brent. Bob Blackman needs to be given awareness training about racism and how detrimental it can be in diverse borough like Brent. This should be stopped.

- Nkechi, Harrow Wealdstone

Elijah comments reminds me of a taxi Driver in Kenton who refused to pick me up and when I enquired he gave the same answer of not taking young male blacks in his cab as they are normally muggers. If Boris or Ken gets elected he must employ undercover black policeman to expose these Taxi Driver as Giliano did in New York. I would like to see the Conservative party including black gatekeepers at their AGM to stop this disgusting habit.

- Negei, Northolt

This Brent north conservative association seems to be in utter mess. Why are these 2 people the chairman and the assembly man keeping such a stranglehold on this association? What is their hidden agenda ?Brent is multiracial and should include young black males too. So why haven't they woken up yet and start being more inclusive. We have some well-read and professional law-abiding young black males in Brent as well as everywhere else and they should be respected for what they are and what they can contribute to society and not just by their colour or looks.
David Cameron, please stop flying high and give wonderful policies about community cohesion across the land and come down to Brent to listen and teach your cronies on how to open up the party and be more welcoming to black young males as well.
If you want to be in government, you need not only devise wonderful policies how to 'hug a hoodiee' but also to make sure that all your moribund local committee members understand them and are implementing at local level. If your local party chairman chase those 'black lads' away for some silly games as checking and searching them for various ID even after their mother has identified them as genuine members, gave them a tough time so that they do not come back again, remember the ripple effect will come back to haunt you for ever.
Bob Blackman does not care a damn since he knows he will never be the ruling party in Brent since he is hated, but surely David Cameron cares.

- Margaret, Kenton

I am a member of a secret society the freemason where I have met up with Bob Blackman. So what, it does not make him a racist. Of course he is entitled for his own views about young black males, if he does not trust them and he believes they are muggers and 'suspects' be it. If they need to be searched several times for various identifications or for hidden weapons, he is quite right too. He knows he does not need their votes to be re-elected again in the assembly. We are proud of him and we will vote him back in so that he can ensure he keeps the party anti-black young males in Brent as has been his hidden agenda too.

- Elijah, kenton

This horrible affair by Bob Blackman who is a London assembley member must know that a persons age,hairstyle or manner of dress cannot be used as a sole basis to search these young black males. Unlike the USA it is remakable that a legislative code of practice directs that people should not be stopped just because they are black.Please look at LORD Scarman's report ON STOP AND SEARCH which ignites disharmony and racial tension in BRENT.

- Maina, WIillesden

Bob Blackman's " canteen culture" is rooted in the establishment of Brent North conservative party Bob Blackman himself and his executives must no doubt be members of secret society and this is has become a private members club this process is likened to a series of canal locks or gates with the security personnel/chairman being the gatekeeper of this private club. Mr Cameron needs to come down from his throne and follow his intention of making the party of (near) dead white members( and not stop and search young black males). He must make it look as though it represents modern Britain, this means pushing through organisational changes and tightening his grip on the party and not letting Brent north go astray and ruining his party's image.

- Odinga, kilkburn

Who gave this association chairman / security the power to stop and search? Does he know that no-one can stop and search unless he is a constable and is qualified to do so, and the police can only do so if they reasonably suspect a person has committed an offence. Has the chairman been checked out by a criminal record bureau? If he was employed in an organisation, he would have been dismissed immediately.

- Samuel, Kenton

Brent North Conservative culture 'cop culture' stop and search in ethnically diverse borough like Brent is outrageous. The party has to take action to stop this mal-practice by its arrogant Bob Blackman and his chairman/security. It is time to make the local party more open and accessible to everyone if David Cameron wants to get into government.

- Okoth, Harrow

I have a lot of sympathy for the mother who is a professional health visitor and devoting a lot of her time caring after mothers and their babies. I am sure she is raising her boys to be law-abiding and responsible citizens too. Shame that they are treated as 'second class citizens', and also watching it taking place in front of her.

- Penny, Brick Lane London

It is beyond me that these leader of the Brent Tory Bob Blackman and the chairman/security personnel of the association decided to have what sounds like a controversial AGM in the midst of a mayoral election. Either they should have postponed the AGM or ensure that there is smooth entry of the public to the meeting regardless whether they are young black male or old white male and female. They should have also ensured that either you carry out a multiple identity search on everyone who attended or no-one at all. Why the discrimination. This will no doubt create a divided and dysfunction local party and destroy race-relation.

- John, Clerkenwell

Bertha this is not about praising Bob Blackman about all he has done for you and what he has achieved. There are some more important issues at stake here. These 2 boys are at the prime of their youths and they are obviously very proud young men who wants to make something of their lives too, yet man like Bob Blackman are trying to destroy up and coming young lives. He has lost the plot, time for him to get out of politics if he is not doing any good to promote youngsters in the local party. Our young of to-day is our leaders of to-morrow. So do not try to pull the wool over our eyes by idolising such selfish character, Especially from the neck of the world where your originate from, you must be aware of Jim Legislation! Please get your facts right before you start denigrating other. Furthermore the mother was at the meeting too and despite the plea that one of the boys is her son, she was totally ignored. How would you feel if your son was stopped and searched in front of your own eyes? This is rule of apartheid in Brent, he Bob Blackman needs to be stopped.

- Elizabeth, London

Those young lads who surely have leadership qualities in them since they have dared venture in such hostile arena as the conservatives who we know look down upon the blacks. Well done and I hope you stay and fight it till they learn to respect the blacks particularly in Brent.You deserve more than an apology and compensation for all the distress and ridicule you had to undergo in public. Since your mother was present at the meeting too, yet you were still being treated as undesirable although she identified you as her son. They have to answer for that injustice.

- Marianne, harrow

Diversity and multiculturalism are just terms to me...I very rarely see it actually in practice. Plenty of people use these words to describe London and the UK but I still see segregation. Name an area in London I can make a pretty good guess at the ethnic groups that live there.

Racism is worse now because people hide behind words and concepts such as 'political correctness'. Its more subtle and therefore more damaging because you cant always prove its taking place.

- Lolita, South London

I witnessed an almost similar incident, if your skin is dark the more you are perceived as suspicious by white folks, not only that but you are also depreciated. Now,I m a type of guy who can afford to go anywhere I want. One late night last month I was on the First Class flight to Heathrow, the only dark skinned person on the compartment(just for the record). The air-hostess approaches my seat with her lips curled up to her tight face, for she found it hard to comprehend that I could be on the right place, she asked for my boarding pass which I gave to her. After she grasped that she was wrong, she turned and walked away all embarrassed, no apology. To me that was brazenly obvious it was discrimination especially on the basis of my colour, because not anyone else was asked to prove their rightfulness to be sat there. This standardized conception by white folk on black people must stop, not all that is black is bad neither is all that is white is right, evolve. So surprise, Sena, Warsaw, Poland, not only is this type of discrimination found in cosmopolitan cities,I found it in mid-air and this young man found it in a politics AGM meeting. These young men were unjustly treated, not even your CV on here Cllr Bertha Joseph, can justify what these future leaders went through,they rightfully deserve an apology.

- Zim Dollaz, Wembley

This kind of discrimination is found in most 'cosmopolitan' cities. I witnessed one similar incident when I went to the USA for a summer research program. (I'm an MA student in psychology and I have a keen interest in prejudice and stereotype as concepts). I was waiting at an airport terminal for my luggage and the immigration officers were randomly selecting people for further examination before letting them go out. I noticed two black men who were very dark skinned. I had told my friend that I was travelling with that I had a hypothesis that -the darker you are, the more suspcious you are perceived, especially by white folks-. I was very sure that these men were going to be 'randomly' selected for an extra interview. My hunch was true. Meanwhile, I'm going to further investigate this hypothesis.

- Sena, Warsaw, Poland

It is rather surprising that a number of people here who seem to know or have had some contact with Mr Blackman are vigorously trying to convince everyone that 'Mr Blackman is such a good person and therefore he cannot be a racist'. Today's society is plagued with covert racism my dear friends-- an action that is biased but can easily be rationalised with a statement that everyone can accept. However, those people who are usually at the butt of such discrimination do feel the pinch. Mr Blackman might have been involved in a racial motivated decision in this instance by relying a little bit too much on stereotypical judgment. While I understand why those who claim to know him try to defend his actions based on how he has acted in other situations,I find this argument rather shallow as psychologically speaking, it is very difficult to pinpoint covert racism unless it has been done to you specifically. These young men felt discriminated and I totally see their point of view. I know a lot of people who don't call themselves racists but yet make a lot of racists judgements.

- Freud, Oslo, Norway

Milan Kamdar I have never heard of your name as a Chairman of Conservative future? Are you a national Chair nominated or elected?

I have lived all my life in Brent North, and as far as I can recall we never had a CF meeting.

Though I was not present at the BN AGM but I have met people who attended and they are of the view that behaviour of Association Officers towards new members was very negative.

By the way no one has called Conservative Party a racist, if you read what these young boys have said it is racism at local level, and that is true.

- Israr, Kingsbury

Cllr Bertha Joseph : You have not mentioned the fact that when you became Mayor (both times) you were a Labour Councillor and you were proposed by Labour Party.

You also failed to state the fact that you were a Labour Councillor till September 2007 (nearly 21 years out of your 22 years as a Councillor) when you defected to Conservatives.

As a matter of principal you must step down and must seek fresh mandate.

- Red Rose, Brent- Lonon

Having different political views among members of a political party is democratic and is welcome but labelling the entire party as 'Racist' is inappropriate.
Being an ethnic minority member of Brent North Conservatives and also Chairman of Conservative Future representing youth, I do not agree with views that the party is racist in this instance.
If the two young members want to contribute and be active then they would be welcome for what they 'can do' and not for who they 'are.
Calling names is the easiest game to distort facts.

- Milan Kamdar, Wembley, UK

I am also a young ethnic minority member in Brent Conservatives. I have been observing disagreements within the party for a while and thought it is in good democratic spirit that people strongly believe in different ideologies and policies. But labelling the party as racist on this particular instance is absolutely inappropriate.
If these young members were so 'driven' by their desire to be active in the party and contribute then there's lot more they can do rather than attending just an AGM. Party will be more than happy to engage these young men in more proactive manner and embrace them for what they 'can do' and not for who they 'are'.
Calling names is the easiest game to distort any facts and this is just that.

- Blue Boy, Wembley UK

I am a Conservative Councillor in Brent and have been on Brent Council for 22 years. I am Brent's first African Caribbean Mayor and have worked very closely with Cllr. Bob Blackman for 22 years. On both occasions when I became Mayor, Cllr. Blackman was very supportive. Indeed, following the last Local Elections, Brent returned a NOC. Although the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats formed an Administration, my nomination for Mayor to serve a second Term was seconded by Cllr. Bob Blackman who said that I was the best person for the job. Cllr. Blackman has been very inclusive and has embraced Brents' Diversity with open arms. Indeed, it was Cllr. Blackman who encouraged me to persevere with my work with young black men in Brent. He has been actively working with the Somali Community in Brent and I do not for one minute believe that he would encourage any form of racism against any Community. I was not present at the meeting in question, however based on my close political association with Cllr. Blackman and my knowledge of his genuine equalities agenda, I truly refute any suggestion that he is racist. I am sorry that my two brothers felt that they were unjustly treated, and I would invite them to meet with Cllr. Blackman to discuss the issue as this accusation is as painful to Cllr. Blackman as I am sure the (alleged) incident was to them. Cllr. Blackman is doing a brilliant job as GLA Member and I look forward to him being returned to The London Assembly in May.

- Bertha Joseph, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 5AA

Unless one was present at the meeting described, it is difficult to explain the circumstances. I have known Bob Blackman for many years, and like every politician, he is far from perfect. But a racist? ---- Never.

- Ken Sinclair, London UK

I was also present at the meeting, and can confirm that the accusation is true. Both of these members live in Cllr Bob Blackman ward.

None of whites majority in their eighties were asked to show their membership card and proof of address, this Identification rule was only for Muslims and blacks.

Steward were helpless, they had no say, It was the Association Chairman who was making a fuss, the AGM was successfully managed by reps from Central Office.

- True Blue, London - Brent

What can I say, if we as people are mistreated, we should let the world know. We as black people put up with too much. Now we should stand and exploit these people who stereotype us. The thing is that we just normal people trying to make some thing of our self.

- Donna Reid, Southeast

This is just another example of the authorities over reacting and again the stereo-typical view of a black being being portrayed. Everybody should have the right to do, dress, speak and be what they like as long as they don't cause harm to themselves or others because after all, everybody is not 'average'. I think it is disgusting the way these men were treated and think Mr Bob Blackman should be ashamed of himself for letting his underlings treat people in the way. The fact that he chose 2 black men out of everybody on the street, I think, is unacceptable. It is not just black men that commit crimes, there are just as many criminals from Asian, British, Chinese, Polish etc. communities so why pick on them? They weren't causing any harm, just trying to take some interest and show their understanding of a subject that most people don't understand - politics. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover..

- Harriet T, Luton, UK

Even Ripleys would not believe what you said James Williams "if it's racist so be it" This country is for all in it, disregard the colour of these boys and l bet your views will be different.

- Zim Dollaz, Wembley

London is a multicultural society, we have to learn to live with each other, treat each other with respect. Mr Bob Blackman seems is holding on to bad habits of the 80s era and prior where people could be racist and justify it. Mr Bob Blackman your treatment of these boys was unacceptable, it makes you a worst kind of racist, because not only have you been racist but you are in denial. You can be racist and not know it, ask me..

- Zim Dollaz, Wembley

I feel this is extremely unacceptable in Brent which is most diverse in the UK with a high percentage of black people. Bob Blackman's response shows a man who will continue blaming instead of dealing with a real issue. Targeting black young people in this meeting shows deep seated racism in those accused Bob Blackman, chairman and security personnel etc. Brent is for all communities and that's our pride.

- Leonna, London, Brent

Its always easy for people who've never walked in the shoes of a black person to speak. If you faced the things we face everyday, you wouldn't be talking like this. Most of us just get on with our lives without ever complaining but don't add insult to injury by trying to justify these actions when you don't know where the people who are complaining are coming from. All we ask for is understanding and fair treatment - is that too much to ask?

- Clive, London, UK

Ken and his cronies will dig as much dirt as they can to stay in power. The thing is the black community are not fooling for it. Ken is patronising and tries to bribe our community then he will move on to the polish voters, etc. We are Londoners not just a section of the community

- Diane Benjamin, london

The Tories were probably aware that most muggers are black, and therefore were cautious. The police react similarly, by stopping and searching young blacks for guns and knifes, rather than middle aged white men. If that's "racist" then so be it - tough.

- James Williams, Swansea

These boys where not probably the only ones stopped,if your identity is questioned it's for the security of everyone in the vicinity not about colour at this day and age where terrorist activity is rife we have to be certain who we let in our meetings. Racism is out of the picture, feel free if you want to victimise yourself...

- Jaaz Shabaz, Beeston, Leeds

These young people are the future of this country regardless of their skin colour and with this being a free and democratic country they have a right to express their disappointment at being treated differently.

- Fidel Cashflow, Cippenham Slough

A pinstripe suit is not appropriate for an AGM, Joe, and someone aged 20 is hardly a child. You should try to be less patronising. It is appalling that the Conservative Party should be so arrogant as to treat its own members this way. God only knows what would happen if they actually got into national power.

- Raoul, Peckham

You were disrespectful to your peers by showing up dressed inappropriately. You then make this statement about whites," lily-white, pin-striped articulate middle-class young man." Well being middle class white and male, I can tell you I dress as described when it is required. You need to learn how to present yourself in polite society. If a white male presented himself at the door dressed as you were, he would have been given the same treatment. Grow up children.

- Joe Pepe, New York City

I think Mr Blackman may be right in his assessment of the situation.

- Ranter, Maidstone, UK

What's the likelihood they'll sue now for being treated "like animals ready to be sent to the slaughter house"? It's the modern way.

- Squiz, Islington

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