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23/06/2008
Senior Advisor In London Mayor's Camp Resigns
A senior adviser to Boris Johnson has resigned over a remark he is alledged to have made to a journalist - sparked a racism row.
James McGrath was responding to the suggestion that Mr Johnson's election as London Mayor would lead to immigrants leaving the capital.
In an online article, Marc Wadsworth wrote that when he challenged Mr McGrath with the suggestion by black Voice columnist Darcus Howe, that Mr Johnson's election would "cause an exodus of Caribbean immigrants to their homelands", Mr McGrath allegedly said: "Well, let them go if they don't like it here".
It is understood that the comments were made to Mr Wadsworth, a journalist and campaigner, when he had pointed out Mr Howe's suggestion to Mr McGrath in an interview during the election campaign.
Mr McGrath retorted with a comment on the website saying that he "felt his suggestion was ridiculous and intended as a slur" and that "to imply I meant that all black people who didn't support Boris Johnson should leave the country is utterly absurd and incorrect".
The mayor has lent his support to Mr McGrath by saying that that the adviser is not a racist and the remarks were "quoted out of context".
However, Mr Johnson has accepted Mr McGrath's resignation after the interview was published online.
He also said that it would give his critics "ammunition" if Mr McGrath stayed in his job.
"James is not a racist. I know that. But his response to a silly and hostile suggestion put to him by Marc Wadsworth, allowed doubts to be raised about his commitment.
"I wish James well in the future, thank him for his contribution and urge everyone not to misrepresent his view or misinterpret his intentions any further," the mayor said.
Mr McGrath, a 34-year-old Australian, was appointed Director of Political Strategy at City Hall following Mr Johnson's victory over Ken Livingstone last month.
See: the-latest.com
(DS)
James McGrath was responding to the suggestion that Mr Johnson's election as London Mayor would lead to immigrants leaving the capital.
In an online article, Marc Wadsworth wrote that when he challenged Mr McGrath with the suggestion by black Voice columnist Darcus Howe, that Mr Johnson's election would "cause an exodus of Caribbean immigrants to their homelands", Mr McGrath allegedly said: "Well, let them go if they don't like it here".
It is understood that the comments were made to Mr Wadsworth, a journalist and campaigner, when he had pointed out Mr Howe's suggestion to Mr McGrath in an interview during the election campaign.
Mr McGrath retorted with a comment on the website saying that he "felt his suggestion was ridiculous and intended as a slur" and that "to imply I meant that all black people who didn't support Boris Johnson should leave the country is utterly absurd and incorrect".
The mayor has lent his support to Mr McGrath by saying that that the adviser is not a racist and the remarks were "quoted out of context".
However, Mr Johnson has accepted Mr McGrath's resignation after the interview was published online.
He also said that it would give his critics "ammunition" if Mr McGrath stayed in his job.
"James is not a racist. I know that. But his response to a silly and hostile suggestion put to him by Marc Wadsworth, allowed doubts to be raised about his commitment.
"I wish James well in the future, thank him for his contribution and urge everyone not to misrepresent his view or misinterpret his intentions any further," the mayor said.
Mr McGrath, a 34-year-old Australian, was appointed Director of Political Strategy at City Hall following Mr Johnson's victory over Ken Livingstone last month.
See: the-latest.com
(DS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
