Glasgow councillor welcomes number of BAME politicians elected

Councillor Ikhlaq was elected to represent Drumchapel, Anniesland on Friday, which also saw former asylum seeker Roza Salih become a councillor in Greater Pollok.

Speaking after her win at the Emirates Stadium, Councillor Ikhlaq said: “I am so glad about the number of BAME candidates getting through today.”

Ms Salih who has fought for the right of refugees and was a member of campaign group – the Glasgow Girls – was congratulated by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after her election.

Councillor Salih said: “I would like to thank Greater Pollok constituents – every one of them. I will not let them down. I will work hard and listen to their needs.”

SNP Councillor Graham Campbell tweeted about the number of black, Asian and minority ethnic councillors representing the party in Glasgow City Council.

Councillor Campbell said the SNP group “now has five BAME Glasgow City Council councillors from the Kurdish, Afghan, South Asian and African Caribbean communities.”

He congratulated Councillor Salih, Ikhlaq, new Pollokshields councillor Zen Ghani and Maryhill councillor Abdul Bostani on becoming elected representatives.

He added: “ I’m a proud SNP BAME Convener in our second term.”