Tory candidate accused of ‘taking Jews for granted’ after skipping hustings
Conservative and Green candidates for Barnet and Camden on the London Assembly expected to miss London Jewish Forum tonight
Two London Assembly candidates will be missing from a hustings organised for the Jewish community in Barnet and Camden.
The Conservative candidate, Roberto Weeden-Sanz, and Green Party candidate, Kirsten de Keyser, are set to skip the virtual debate. Instead, Peter Zinkin and Zack Polanski are to appear to represent the candidates respectively.
“I unfortunately have a clash of meetings on the 26th, so I suggested to Daniel that Zack would be an excellent speaker in my place,” said de Keyser.
Monday’s hustings is organised by the London Jewish Forum in partnership with the Jewish Leadership Council and Board of Deputies. Jewish News is the media sponsor for the event, with this paper’s political editor Lee Harpin hosting the debate.
Labour accused the Conservative candidate of snubbing voters in the constituency.
“It’s pretty shabby behaviour really,” said Mike Katz, chair of the Jewish Labour Movement.
“It’s one of the most Jewish constituencies in the country, it’s certainly the most Jewish constituency in the London Assembly,” he said, adding: “Either he’s running scared or he’s taking Jewish voters for granted – in either case, it’s a poor show.”
The virtual debate will take place Monday, April 26, between 8.15-9.45pm on Zoom.
Those appearing will be Anne Clarke, the Labour candidate; Peter Zinkin, representing the Conservative Party; the Liberal Democrat candidate Marisha Ray; and Zack Polanski for the Green Party.
Prior registration is required, which can be filled out here.
This article was amended to include comment from Green party candidate, Kirsten de Keyser.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
