LONDON’s only black council leader could face a no-confidence vote this evening, in a move described by a group of Labour members as a “racist coup.” 

The motion, which is set to be put forward at Haringey Council’s Labour Group meeting this evening, could remove Joseph Ejiofor from his position as leader after two years. 

It follows Mr Ejiofor’s decision to postpone the council’s annual meeting until next May, which critics say is an attempt to delay a possible leadership challenge. 

The executives of local constituency Labour Parties, Tottenham and Hornsey & Wood Green, have expressed their support for the current leadership and have written to councillors urging them to vote against the motion.

The Morning Star was told that the attempt to oust Mr Ejiofor is being led by right-wing factions within the council, including members of the previous leadership.

A petition set up by Labour members, signed by over 1,000 people including 10 councillors from across the country, alleges that Mr Ejiofor is being subjected to a “racist coup attempt.”

A source within the Labour group at Haringey Council told the Morning Star that the attempts to oust Mr Ejiofor have “racist undertones.” 

“There has been a racist campaign against Joe; he’s been subject to a series of really nasty tweets … Nasty [fabricated] pictures of Joe dressed up in uniform as some sort of African dictator.”

Mr Ejiofor is the third black council leader of Haringey to be subjected a no-confidence vote.

The council leader told the Star that his record of achievement should guarantee confidence in his leadership.