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Thread: Boris Johnson's deputy mayor facing calls to resign after cracking racist Persil joke about London r

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    Default Boris Johnson's deputy mayor facing calls to resign after cracking racist Persil joke about London r

    One of Boris Johnson’s closest political aides was tonight facing calls to resign after he was accused of making a racist joke about the London riots.

    Tory Richard Barnes, who is Johnson’s deputy mayor, was apparently overheard making the offensive comments by colleagues.

    Barnes, who is openly gay, is reported to have said: ‘Why did police put Persil in the water cannons? To stop the colours running?’

    Today his comments have been described as 'disgusting' and there are calls for him to resign as Equality Advisor.

    Linda Perks, UNISON’s Regional Secretary for London, said: 'It beggars belief that the Equality Advisor to the Mayor should make racist jokes.

    'Richard Barnes has already had been forced to apologise for offensive remarks about Irish builders.

    'Yet the GLA continues to let him get away with this disgusting behaviour. Boris Johnson must show that he is taking this seriously – Richard Barnes is not fit to stay in his post as Equality Advisor.'


    The apparent racist joke is not the first time the deputy mayor, who is also responsible for social justice, has been drawn into controversy over his comments.

    In July, when asked about the cost of redevelopment work at Euston station he was filmed asking: ‘Are they like most Irish builders saying it's going to be roughly that? [licking his finger to check the wind direction]. Are we working on estimates?’

    After criticism Mr Barnes said it was a throwaway line. He said: ‘No offence was intended and I'm sure none of my Irish friends would find it offensive.’

    Yesterday Mr Barnes, who earns close to £100,000, wrote on his blog: ‘Creating a London that’s accessible to all is a key part of the Mayor’s vision to open up the opportunities the city has to offer to all who live here.

    ‘At City Hall we’re working hard to implement his plans to create a fairer London.’

    Mr banes has strenuously denied the accusation of racism.

    ‘Richard works incredibly hard on behalf of all communities, regularly engaging and meeting with representatives,’ said his spokesperson.

    'It’s worth noting that Richard's denial is around the allegation that he was being racist, not that he said the words or passed on the joke, which he was recounting with much disapproval.

    ‘Also, it’s worth knowing that the monitoring officer is bound to investigate whether or not there has been a breach of code, that isn't decided at this stage, and it could be concluded there has not been a breach.’


    The uproar surrounding Mr Barnes comes after Boris Johnson's previous deputy mayor, Ian Clement, was charged over his alleged misuse of his expenses.
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz1Y3jUm9Ou
    "The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." - Albert Camus


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    Eat the shit you shovel, Barnes.

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