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Shahrar Ali
Deputy Leader of the Green Party of
England and Wales
In office
1 September 2014 – 31 August 2016
Serving with Amelia Womack
LeaderNatalie Bennett
Preceded byWill Duckworth
Succeeded byAmelia Womack
Personal details
Political partyGreen Party of England and Wales (until 2024)
Residence(s)London, England
Alma materUniversity College London

Mohammad Shahrar Ali,[1] known as Shahrar Ali (/ˈʃɑːrɑː ɑːˈliː/), is a British politician and university manager who served as deputy leader of the Green Party of England and Wales from 2014 to 2016.

He stood for election to be leader of the Green Party in 2018, 2020 and 2021. His public statements on transgender issues and appointment in 2021 as the party's policing and domestic safety spokesperson were believed to be reasons for the party's co-leader Siân Berry stepping down.[2][3]

In February 2022, Ali launched legal action against the Green Party alleging discrimination of gender-critical belief under the Equality Act 2010.[4] He was subsequently removed from his position as a party spokesperson for alleged breaches of the Speakers’ Code of Conduct.[5] He took legal action over his removal: the Judge ruled that his dismissal was procedurally unfair and that Ali had been subjected to "unlawful discrimination" as a result, but also upheld the party's right to dismiss spokespeople whose views were found to differ from party policy.[6]

In September 2024, Ali was expelled by the Green Party, with the party telling him that any future readmission would be subject to him publicly retracting tweets that had been complained about and undertaking safeguarding training.[7]

Education and career

[edit]

Shahrar Ali has degrees in biochemical engineering (BEng) and philosophy (BA, MPhil, PhD) from the University of London.[8] His 1997 MPhil thesis was on "Practical reason with reference to the Human conception", and his 2004 PhD thesis (UCL) was entitled "Making as if to stand behind one's words: a theory of intentional deception and lying".[1] His research interests are in moral and applied philosophy.

Before entering politics, Ali worked as a European Parliament researcher.[9] He works in the Institute of Health Sciences Education at Queen Mary, University of London.[10]

Political career

[edit]

Early candidacies (2004–2014)

[edit]

Shahrar Ali stood as a Green Party list candidate for the European Parliament in 2004, 2009 and 2014.[11] He stood as the Green Party candidate for Brent East in the 2005 general election, winning 2.9% of the vote.[12] He was a London Assembly candidate both in Brent and Harrow and in the London-wide list in 2008 and 2012,[13] and stood for Parliamentary election for Brent Central in 2005 and 2010.[12] Ali unsuccessfully sought his party's nomination to be a candidate for the 2008 and 2012 London mayoral elections.[14]

He ran for election to Brent London Borough Council six times from 2005 to 2014, and once for Camden London Borough Council in 2006. In 2009, he successfully campaigned to stop Asda delivery lorries blocking a pavement.[15] He wrote Why Vote Green in 2010.[16]

Deputy leader (2014–2016)

[edit]

Ali ran for election to be deputy leader of the Green Party in the 2014 Green Party of England and Wales leadership election. The party's rules meant that two deputy leaders were elected, who needed to be different genders. Amelia Womack was elected first, and Ali was elected second after beating the incumbent, Will Duckworth, and two other male candidates.[17]

In January 2015, Ali released a statement with the party's leader Natalie Bennett and his co-deputy Amelia Womack condemning the Parliamentary candidate for Cambridge, Rupert Read. Read had said that trans women were "a sort of 'opt-in' version of what it means to be a woman" among other remarks about trans people which he later apologised for.[18] For the 2015 election, Ali edited Why Vote Green 2015.[19] He was the party's Parliamentary candidate in Brent Central and Bethnal Green and Bow. In November 2015, Ali was selected to be the third candidate on the Green Party's London-wide list for the 2016 London Assembly election.[20] He was speculated as a potential candidate for the 2016 Green Party leadership election and told The Guardian he might stand.[9][21][22][23] He ended up running for re-election as deputy leader, losing his position and coming in third place.[24]

Other roles (2016–2018)

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In August 2016, Ali joined a march in London calling for slavery reparations.[25] Between 2017 and 2020, Ali served as home affairs spokesperson for the Green Party.[26] He released a statement opposing Cressida Dick's appointment as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.[27]

Holocaust Memorial Day comments

[edit]

In August 2018, in an article published on the Left Foot Forward blog, the Campaign Against Antisemitism described a speech Ali had made nine years earlier as antisemitic and an "offensive rant".[28] He was accused of comparing Israel's treatment of Palestinians to the Holocaust by saying "just because you observe the niceties of Holocaust Memorial Day, it does not mean you have learned the lessons of history".[29][30] Ali described the accusation as a "gross fabrication", telling the Evening Standard that it was "designed to stifle legitimate criticism of the Israeli government".[31] The claims against Ali were also reported in The Jewish Chronicle and in October 2020, IPSO upheld a complaint against The Jewish Chronicle as the publication did not make clear that "compared one of Israel’s 2009 offensive on Gaza to the Shoah" was their characterisation of Ali's comments rather than a factual description of them and that they had falsely stated Ali had made the remarks on Holocaust Memorial Day.[32][33]

The Jewish Chronicle also quoted the Green Party as saying it had been advised "informally" about Ali's speech in 2009 but that its processes for dealing with this at the time had been "inadequate".[34] The party later clarified that no formal complaint of antisemitism was ever received and condemned "the way in which the statements provided were used to fuel further stories and negative comment".[35]

Leadership campaigns (2018–present)

[edit]

On 29 June 2018, Ali announced he would stand in the 2018 Green Party of England and Wales leadership election.[36] He was considered the main challenger to the co-leadership ticket of Jonathan Bartley and Siân Berry.[37] Bartley and Berry won with 6,239 votes, whilst Ali came in second place with 1,466 votes and 17.5% of the vote.[38]

In September 2018, Ali called for an investigation into the suspension of a member who was suspended for saying that allowing trans children to transition was child abuse.[39] In October of the same year, he spoke at the Green Party's conference to oppose adoption of the Working Definition of Antisemitism.[40] In 2019, Ali was a list candidate for the 2019 European Parliament election. In June 2020, Ali announced his candidacy in the 2020 Green Party of England and Wales leadership election.[41] In September 2020, it was announced that Ali had lost the election to incumbent co-leaders Siân Berry and Jonathan Bartley.[42] Ali published a statement during his 2020 leadership campaign titled "What is a Woman?", which stated "A woman is commonly defined as an adult human female and, genetically, typified by two XX chromosomes. These facts are not in dispute nor should they be in any political party."[43] This was criticised by Benali Hamdache as excluding both trans women and intersex women from womanhood.[44] Ali came third in the election, receiving 23.6% of the vote.

In February 2021, Ali proposed a motion opposing the Working Definition of Antisemitism, which he called "counterproductive on its own terms and inimical to free speech on the Israel-Palestine conflict".[45] He was a list candidate for the party in the 2021 London Assembly election and unsuccessfully sought the party's nomination for the 2021 London mayoral election. In June 2021, Ali was appointed as the Green Party's spokesperson for policing and domestic safety. His appointment was seen as controversial in the party due to previous allegations against him of transphobia.[46] A member of one of the party's policy working groups resigned due to Ali's appointment.[47] Green Party members, according to PoliticsHome, said this was the main reason for Siân Berry's July 2021 decision not to stand in the next party leader election. In her statement, Berry cited unspecified spokesperson appointments as being inconsistent with her pledge to support trans equality.[48][49][50] In July, the Young Greens of England and Wales passed a motion calling for Ali's appointment to be ended.[51]

In August 2021, Ali announced his candidacy in the 2021 Green Party of England and Wales leadership election.[52] He came third and was eliminated in the first round after receiving 21.0% of the vote.

Unlawful discrimination suit against the Green Party

[edit]

In February 2022, Ali was removed from his position as the Green Party's spokesperson for policing and domestic safety. Liz Reason, chair of the Green Party's executive, announced on Twitter that "the Green Party Executive has removed Shahrar Ali from his role as party spokesperson for breaches of the Speakers' Code of Conduct."[53][54] Ali took the party to court, claiming that his dismissal was due to discrimination against his gender-critical beliefs.[55]

On 9 February 2024, the Judge ruled that the Green Party had subjected Shahrar Ali to "unlawful discrimination" on grounds of his gender critical belief and he was awarded damages of £9,100 for injury to feelings. (Hellman, 262) The court decided that his dismissal was "procedurally unfair" and a "one-off instance of discrimination" on the ground of his protected belief (i.e. gender-critical belief) and that all other claims including allegations of discrimination and victimisation were dismissed.[56]

Dr Ali's core complaint was that his removal as spokesperson discriminated against him on the ground of his protected belief. I agree, but on the narrow ground that GPEx discriminated against him by removing him as spokesperson in a way that was procedurally unfair.
Dr Ali's remaining allegations of discrimination are dismissed. [...]
A number of allegations are time-barred. I am satisfied that it would not be just and equitable to extend the time for bringing them, but if I had extended time, I would have dismissed them on the merits.
The claim of victimisation is dismissed [...]
I also grant a declaration that he has been subject to unlawful discrimination

— His Honour Judge Hellman[56]

The judge observed that political parties have the right to remove spokespeople if they advocate views which are different from party policy, but they must do so fairly.[57][58][59]

In September 2024, the Green Party was ordered to pay £90,000 to Ali, representing 60% of his legal costs in bringing the case.[60]

Elections contested

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Public office

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European Parliament

[edit]
Date Constituency List position List votes % votes
2004 London 7th 158,986 8.4
2009 London 3rd 190,589 10.9
2014 London 4th 196,419 8.9
2019 London 3rd 278,957 12.4

House of Commons

[edit]
Date Constituency Votes % votes Place
2005 Brent East 905 2.9 4th
2010 Brent Central 668 1.5 4th
2015 Brent Central 1,912 4.1 4th
2019 Bethnal Green and Bow 2,570 4.2 4th

London Assembly (constituency)

[edit]
Date Constituency Votes % votes Place
2008 Brent and Harrow 10,129 6.4 4th
2012 Brent and Harrow 10,546 7.3 4th

London Assembly (list)

[edit]
Date List position List votes % votes
2008 7th 203,465 8.3
2012 5th 182,215 8.5
2016 3rd 207,959 8.0
2021 5th 305,452 11.8

Council

[edit]
Date Council Ward Votes Place
2005 by-election Brent London Borough Council Preston 86 4th
2006 Camden London Borough Council Bloomsbury 329 9th
2006 Brent London Borough Council Queens Park 462 10th
2007 by-election Brent London Borough Council Dudden Hill 156 5th
2008 by-election Brent London Borough Council Queens Park 239 4th
2010 Brent London Borough Council Welsh Harp 430 10th
2014 Brent London Borough Council Willesden Green 520 7th
2022 Tower Hamlets London Borough Council Whitechapel 352 11th

Green Party

[edit]

Leader

[edit]
Date Votes % votes Place
2018 1,466 16.5 2nd
2020 1,735 23.6 3rd
2021 2,422 21.0 3rd

Deputy leader

[edit]
Date Votes % votes Place
2014 1,314 Unknown Elected
2016 1,716 21.1 3rd

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Ali, Mohammad Shahrar (2004). "Making as if to stand behind one's words: a theory of intentional deception and lying". Doctoral Thesis Philosophy. University of London. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  2. ^ "Green frontbencher at centre of trans rights row to run for leadership". The Guardian. 17 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Young Greens pass motion calling for termination of Shahrar Ali's appointment as Green Party spokesperson | Chris Jarvis". 18 July 2021.
  4. ^ "Sex-Based Rights vs Cancel Culture". Crowdjustice. 4 February 2022.
  5. ^ "Green Party spokesman sues after being sacked for transgender views". The Telegraph. 19 February 2022.
  6. ^ Francis & Catt (10 February 2024). "Shahrar Ali wins 'gender critical' court battle against Green Party". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  7. ^ "Greens expel activist Shahrar Ali who won discrimination claim". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Shahrar Ali (University College London) - PhilPeople". philpeople.org. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  9. ^ a b "Who are the runners and riders for next Green Party leader?". openDemocracy. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  10. ^ "Dr Shahrar Ali, BEng, BA, AKC, MPhil, PhD". Queen Mary, University of London. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  11. ^ "Vote 2014: European election candidates for London". BBC News. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  12. ^ a b "Election results for Brent Central". Brent Council. May 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  13. ^ "National: Election Results 2012: London Assembly". The Guardian. 5 May 2012. p. 32.
  14. ^ "Greens pick Jenny Jones as candidate for London mayor". The Guardian. 21 March 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  15. ^ "Campaigner declares victory over ASDA parking". Harrow Times. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Shahrar Ali event". Biteback Publishing. 26 February 2010. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  17. ^ "Another Green World: Amelia Womack wins, Green Party leadership ballot results". Another Green World. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Green Party leader 'disappointed' by candidate's comments about trans people". PinkNews. 27 January 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  19. ^ "Shahrar Ali". Biteback Publishing. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  20. ^ "Shahrar Ali confirmed as third candidate on Greens' London Assembly list". Bright Green. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  21. ^ Mortimer, Josiah (23 May 2016). "The unknown leadership contender? Sources say Jennifer Nadel will run". Bright Green. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Green party leadership: Siân Berry says she won't stand". The Guardian. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  23. ^ "Caroline Lucas refuses to rule out running for Green party leadership". The Guardian. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  24. ^ Mortimer, Josiah (3 September 2016). "Revealed: Full breakdown of the Green Party leadership election". Bright Green. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  25. ^ Chaplain, Chloe (1 August 2016). "Hundreds take to streets of London calling for slavery reparations". www.standard.co.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  26. ^ "Full list of candidates for Green Party internal elections announced | Chris Jarvis". Bright Green. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  27. ^ "Sadiq Khan says 'My heart goes out to the de Menezes family' but insists Cressida Dick is the right choice to protect London". MayorWatch. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  28. ^ Mortimer, Josiah (3 August 2018). "Green Party leadership candidate in antisemitism storm over Gaza video". Left Foot Forward. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  29. ^ Webber, Esther (11 August 2018). "Greens drawn into antisemitism row". The Times. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  30. ^ "Sian Berry: Standing firm against faith schools". www.thejc.com. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  31. ^ "The Londoner: Anti-Semitism row turns Greens toxic". Evening Standard. London. 6 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  32. ^ "IPSO ruling Ali v Jewish Chronicle". Independent Press Standards Organisation. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  33. ^ "Ipso ruling: Shahrar Ali". The Jewish Chronicle. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  34. ^ Welch, Ben (6 August 2018). "Green Party admits 'inadequate' response to leadership candidate's anti-Israel speech". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  35. ^ "Green Party clarification regarding Shahrar Ali and allegations of antisemitism during 2018 leadership elections". Green Party of England and Wales. Archived from the original on 13 January 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
  36. ^ "Shahrar Ali Green Party". Facebook. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  37. ^ "Greens announce three sets of contenders for leadership contest". The Guardian. 2 July 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  38. ^ "Green Party appoints Jonathan Bartley and Sian Berry as co-leaders". edie.net. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  39. ^ "MP criticised over meeting anti-trans group". The Argus. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  40. ^ "Green Party fails to adopt IHRA antisemitism definition at Conference". www.thejc.com. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  41. ^ Jarvis, Chris (30 June 2020). "Shahrar Ali announces Green Party leadership bid". Bright Green. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  42. ^ "Green Party: Jonathan Bartley and Sian Berry re-elected co-leaders". BBC News. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  43. ^ Ali, Shahrar (20 July 2020). "What Is A Woman?". Retrieved 7 August 2021 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ Hamdache, Benali (4 August 2020). "Transphobia in the Green Party leadership election is harming the party's reputation". Bright Green. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  45. ^ Mendel, Jack. "Greens to debate IHRA definition and support for BDS". jewishnews.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  46. ^ "Green Party announces new spokespeople – with one controversial appointment". Left Foot Forward: Leading the UK's progressive debate. 8 June 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  47. ^ "Green Party's new 'global solidarity' spokesperson supported military intervention in Syria | Chris Jarvis". Bright Green. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  48. ^ Chaplain, Chloe (14 July 2021). "Sian Berry quits as Green Party co-leader over 'inconsistencies' around trans issues". i. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  49. ^ Elgot, Jessica (14 July 2021). "Sian Berry quits as Green party leader in dispute over trans rights". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  50. ^ Kate Proctor (16 July 2021). "The Green Party Is Tearing Itself Apart In A Furious Row Over Trans Rights". Politics Home. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  51. ^ "Young Greens pass motion calling for termination of Shahrar Ali's appointment as Green Party spokesperson | Chris Jarvis". Bright Green. 18 July 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  52. ^ "Green frontbencher at centre of trans rights row to run for leadership". The Guardian. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  53. ^ Jarvis, Chris (5 February 2022). "BREAKING: Shahrar Ali removed as Green Party spokesperson". Bright Green. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  54. ^ Liz Reason [@lizreason] (5 February 2022). "The Green Party Executive has removed Shahrar Ali from his role as party spokesperson for breaches of the Speakers' Code of Conduct. This decision has no impact on Dr Ali's membership of the party" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  55. ^ "Green Party taken to court over gender-critical row". BBC. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  56. ^ a b His Honour Judge Hellman (9 February 2024). "DR SHAHRAR ALI v MS ELIZABETH REASON and MR JON NOTT" (pdf). Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. p. 61. Retrieved 12 February 2024. Dr Ali's core complaint was that his removal as spokesperson discriminated against him on the ground of his protected belief. I agree, but on the narrow ground that GPEx discriminated against him by removing him as spokesperson in a way that was procedurally unfair.
    Dr Ali's remaining allegations of discrimination are dismissed. [...]
    A number of allegations are time-barred. I am satisfied that it would not be just and equitable to extend the time for bringing them, but if I had extended time, I would have dismissed them on the merits.
    The claim of victimisation is dismissed
  57. ^ Francis & Catt (10 February 2024). "Shahrar Ali wins 'gender critical' court battle against Green Party". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  58. ^ Daniel, Martin (9 February 2024). "Ex-deputy leader wins 'gender-critical' court battle against Greens". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  59. ^ Walker, Peter (9 February 2024). "Green party incorrectly sacked spokesperson in part over trans rights views, court rules". theguardian.com. Guardian. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  60. ^ Francis, Sam (13 September 2024). "Greens hit with £90,000 bill after discrimination case". bbc,co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
Party political offices
Preceded by Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
2014–2016
With: Amelia Womack 		Succeeded by
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