Jewish councillors come together for annual reception

Anti-Semitism in the Labour Party was among the topics in the minds of Jewish councillors of all political stripes at their annual networking event this week.

Across 14 City boroughs, there are 67 Jewish councillors, most of whom attended London Jewish Forum’s annual councillors’ reception at the Jewish Museum in Camden on Monday, to discuss issues of common concern.

Guests also heard from Cllrs Stephen Greek (Conservative, Harrow), Ian Shearer (Liberal Democrat, Hackney) and Adam Langleben (Labour, Barnet).

On Labour’s current woes, Langleben said: “Jews played a fundamental role in the creation of the Labour Party, and we will continue to play a fundamental role. We are not going anywhere.”

Chair of London Jewish Forum Adrian Cohen said: “Jewish councillors are in many respects on the front line and your input into your boroughs is vital. Whilst of course you have loyalties to your parties as Jewish councillors, you have common concerns as Jews in public life, and the purpose of London Jewish Forum is to help bring you together to share those views and ideas.”