Thread by @ShahrarAli

By popular demand, my closing speech to Greens of Colour hustings.

CW - initiating a difficult conversation around whether the Party has a problem with very idea of an ethnic minority leader. #RealityCheck

I think that in politics as in life, it's important to have a proper sense of your own worth. I hope nobody would dispute that. I see great confidence in the candidates before me for good reason. I share that confidence in myself.

Let me show you a couple of things that I've done during my time in the party [picks up and shows two bestselling books in green politics]. I know policy inside out, I've given lots of talks and I've represented the party in the media.

It's not particularly nice to be told by a senior officer of the party that I should be RON'ed. It's doubly offensive perhaps to be told that other candidates should be RON'ed. We are worthy candidates.

CW: But I put it to you that the complete lack of cognisance that somebody who could be your first BME leader of a major political party should be RON'ed actually does demonstrate something which is fundamentally wrong with the Party.

Yes, I know my own worth and I am worthy - as good as the next candidate here - of your serious attention.

One of the candidates also spoke about the fact that they wouldn't speak for you but would let you have your voices raised. I think you're looking at the candidate who can do both.

I want to be that candidate who can both raise your voice and reflect it and project it externally, bring people into the party beyond our comfort zone. And, indeed, to speak for you.
#RealityCheck