An associate of Green Party leader Zack Polanski has criticized the Labour Party’s selection of a Black Muslim woman as its candidate in the upcoming Holborn & St Pancras by-election, accusing Labour of employing “identity politics” in its campaign strategy.

Emny Kadri, who is among ten individuals who signed Polanski’s nomination papers allowing him to stand as the Green candidate, made the remarks following Labour’s choice of Saqib Abdi-Wali. Kadri questioned Labour’s decision on social media, describing the move as “sly strategic bringing in a Black Muslim Woman!” and expressing disbelief that Abdi-Wali could “even sleep at night knowing what she’s doing.”

Kadri further asserted that the selection of a Black Muslim woman to represent Labour in Camden represented an attempt to “identity politic its way out of the mess they’re in.” Her comments came shortly after new measures targeting illegal Israeli settlers were announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, to which Kadri responded by criticizing Labour for allegedly supporting a “genocide against majority Muslims.”

Abdi-Wali, who emigrated from Somalia as a child and has lived in Camden for 35 years, became the first Black female leader of the Camden council in May. Labour selected her to run in the by-election for the seat vacated by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The election is scheduled for October 8.

Fiyaz Mughal, founder of the charities Faith Matters and Tell Mama, responded to Kadri’s comments by cautioning against stereotyping Muslim communities. He emphasized that expecting Muslims to hold uniform views or act in a prescribed manner neglects the diversity within the community, noting that Muslims have varied perspectives on both national and international issues.

A spokesperson for the Green Party clarified that Kadri’s statements reflect her personal opinions as a Lebanese Muslim and a long-time resident of Holborn & St Pancras, and do not represent the party’s official position.