HUMZA Yousaf has said he is “beyond disappointed” that there will be just one more SNP candidate from a BAME background at next year’s Holyrood elections, despite 22 hopefuls putting themselves forward.
In a strongly worded article in today’s National, the Justice Secretary said he was “so heartened” at the number of BAME candidates who came forward right across Scotland after an appeal by the SNP to increase the diversity of its Holyrood group.
Of the string of contests involving BAME candidates, just one contender was chosen Kaukab Stewart in Glasgow Kelvin.
Those who lost included Michelle Campbell, an award winning councillor, in Renfrewshire North and West.
“I was so heartened to see the diversity of BAME candidates who put themselves forward, not constrained to the Central Belt or belonging to one ethnic group, but 22 exceptionally talented BAME candidates standing in seats right across Scotland,” wrote Yousaf.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf: Motions and support must translate to a more diverse Holyrood
“I am beyond disappointed that we have only one additional BAME candidate selected for a constituency seat.
“Once again, it is a person of Scots-Asian origin who is representing a seat in Glasgow. In the 20 year history of devolution the only BAME MSPs to be elected have been Scots-Asian and from Glasgow. We should, and could, have done better.”
He added: “I have spoken to countless people over the last few weeks, from many different communities right across the country.
“Many feel the SNP is in danger of paying lip service to our commitment to further the diversity of our elected members.
“I know this is not the case, but it is important we do not lose the faith that many people have put in our party to truly represent the people we serve.”
Ahead of the SNP conference this weekend, he continued: “Of course, all is not lost. There is a chance to right this wrong. The NEC can, and should, look to either zip or reserve spaces for BAME candidates on Regional Lists.
“They should explore the possibility of reserving the top spot in half of all the Regional Lists for a BAME candidate, or potentially one of the top two spots in all Regional Lists.
“I know our affiliated groups – Scots Asians for Independence and the SNP BAME Network – are making similar representations to the Party.”
He added: “It was merely a matter of months ago that the Scottish Parliament pledged its support, unanimously, for the Black Lives Matters movement.
“As things stand, the SNP does not have a single Black candidate going into the Holyrood elections. That can’t be right.”
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