Dear All,

We, the undersigned supporters of the Labour Party, are formally lodging a complaint against Councillor Saima Suleman, a Birmingham City Labour Councillor and current cabinet member for Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism.Her repeated breaches of ethical conduct, divisive rhetoric, and active defence of an individual found guilty of bullying and harassment have brought the Labour Party into disrepute. Given the gravity of these concerns, we demand an immediate investigation and the suspension of Cllr Suleman pending the outcome to prevent further damage to the party’s reputation.

1. Use of Divisive and Inflammatory Language
Cllr Suleman’s use of the term "whitewashing," as reported in a Birmingham Mail article (link), is not only inappropriate but deeply divisive. This language fosters racial tension and alienates sections of the electorate. As a public representative of the Labour Party, Cllr Suleman has a duty to promote inclusivity and unity, yet her rhetoric directly contradicts these principles.
The Labour Party has worked tirelessly to build a reputation as a party that champions equality and social cohesion. When a sitting councillor engages in racialised language that can be perceived as derogatory and exclusionary, it damages the party’s image and risks alienating communities that we aim to serve. This is a clear violation of Section 2 of the Labour Party’s Code of Conduct, which requires members to avoid discrimination and division.

2. Protection of Cllr Saqib Khan Despite His Proven Misconduct
Cllr Suleman has actively defended Cllr Saqib Khan even though he was found guilty of bullying, harassment, and abusive conduct toward former Labour Cllr Shabina Bano. The Standards Committee Sub-Group upheld the claims made by Cllr Bano, confirming that Cllr Khan violated the Code of Conduct (see attached press release).
Despite overwhelming evidence against Cllr Khan, Cllr Suleman continued to support him, knowingly shielding someone found guilty of misconduct. This raises serious concerns regarding her judgment, integrity, and ability to uphold Labour Party values. The Labour Party cannot allow individuals who defend abusers to remain in leadership positions. Labour has historically acted decisively in cases of harassment and misconduct, and failure to do so here would set a dangerous precedent.

3. Deception and Misrepresentation Regarding Hall Green Library
Cllr Suleman has been exposed by "Save Hall Green Library" for making misleading and false statements regarding the library’s status. This deliberate misrepresentation to the public undermines trust in her as an elected official and damages the Labour Party’s credibility (see attached evidence). The public expects honesty and transparency from their representatives, yet Cllr Suleman has demonstrated a willingness to distort the truth for political convenience. This conduct is unacceptable and further justifies the need for an investigation into her actions.
4. Violation of the Kerslake Recommendations and Failure of Leadership
The Kerslake Report, which provides key recommendations for improving governance in Birmingham City Council, emphasises the need for transparency, ethical leadership, and accountability. Cllr Suleman’s actions directly contravene these principles. By defending misconduct, engaging in divisive rhetoric, and misleading the public, she has demonstrated a fundamental lack of integrity and responsible leadership.
The Labour Party cannot afford to overlook such serious breaches. To ignore this complaint would send a dangerous message that racism, dishonesty, and the defence of harassment are tolerated within the party. This is not just a local issue—it has national implications for the Labour Party’s reputation and standing with the electorate. Labour must uphold its commitment to fairness and accountability, or risk alienating key voter bases.

5. Breach of the Nolan Principles of Public Life
Cllr Suleman has failed to adhere to the Nolan Principles, the ethical standards expected of public office holders. These principles include:
 

• Integrity – By defending Cllr Saqib Khan, despite his proven misconduct, Cllr Suleman has compromised her integrity.
• Accountability – She has not taken responsibility for her misleading statements about Hall Green Library.
• Honesty – Her misrepresentation of key issues to the public undermines trust in both her and the Labour Party.
• Objectivity – Instead of making impartial decisions, she has shown bias in defending Cllr Khan.
• Leadership – A leader should set an example. Instead, she has fostered division, dishonesty, and a lack of accountability.
These violations are in direct opposition to the Seven Principles of Public Life, outlined in the Nolan Report(link). Given these breaches, it is essential that Cllr Suleman is held accountable through formal investigation and suspension.

Demands for Immediate Action
Given the serious nature of these breaches, we formally request the following actions:

• The immediate suspension of Cllr Saima Suleman pending a full investigation into her conduct.
• A formal inquiry into her use of divisive language, her defence of Cllr Saqib Khan, and her misleading statements regarding Hall Green Library.
• A review of her position as a cabinet member of Birmingham City Council considering her failure to uphold Labour Party values.
• A formal response from the Labour Party within 30 daysto confirm that action is being taken. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to escalate this complaint further, including bringing it to media attention.
The Labour Party must act decisively to restore public confidence and uphold its core principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Yours sincerely,

Small Heath Labour Supporters

 

 

 

Cllr Shabina Bano Statement when leaving the Labour Party​

Media Articles in relation to Cllr Saqib Khans conduct which Cllr Suleman defended,​

Press Release on Cllr Saqib Khan’s Breach of Conduct:​ •​

 Media Articles in relation to Cllr Saqib Khans conduct which Cllr Suleman defended.​

 

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