DOWNING Street was last night forced to defend its choice of chairman for its new racial disparity commission, despite his previous claim that evidence of the existence of institutional racism was “flimsy”.

Tony Sewell was confirmed as chairman of the new Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities yesterday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the establishment of the commission after a series of anti-racism protests triggered by the death in the US of George Floyd while in police custody. Education consultant Sewell previously worked with Johnson in 2013 when he led the then London mayor’s education inquiry into the capital’s schools, which resulted in the creation of a schools excellence fund.

Writing in Prospect magazine in 2010, Sewell said: “Much of the supposed evidence of institutional racism is flimsy.”

In an interview with The Times newspaper last year, the former teacher suggested the root cause of knife crime and gang culture among black youths was absent fathers, citing figures showing that about 50% of black children grow up without a one. “People often say I’m ‘brave’ to say that. It’s so patronising,” he told the paper.

Defending the appointment, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Dr Sewell has supported many young people from diverse backgrounds into STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] careers.

“The PM knows very well his work and how it has improved access to education across London. The PM is confident that he shares his commitment to maximising opportunity for all.”

Sewell, currently head of education charity Generating Genius, said: “I have spent my entire career in education striving to help all students achieve their full potential. I know however that inequality exists, and I am committed to working with my fellow commissioners to understand why.

“Together we will set out recommendations for action across government, public bodies and the private sector.”