Naz Shah accuses Salma Yaqoob of a ‘despicable’ election campaign in 2017

Salma Yaqoob, the mayoral candidate for the West Midlands, has called for a truce in row with shadow minister Naz Shah.

Shah has accused Yaqoob of being unfit for office and has written to Labour’s national executive committee demanding that Yaqoob should not be allowed to stand as the party’s candidate to be West Midlands mayor.

The shadow minister for women and equalities also claims that Yaqoob, who stood against her as an independent candidate in 2017, ran a "despicable" campaign against her in Bradford West two years ago.

The campaign was so intense that she even contemplated suicide, said Shah.

Apologising to Shah, Yaqoob said she wants to find a "constructive resolution" that would allow them both to move on.

“Whilst I accept my decision to stand was ill judged, it was not taken with any intention to cause harm – towards Naz Shah personally or the Labour party,” she said, according to a Guardian article published on Wednesday (2).

“I did not run or endorse a campaign of misogyny, patriarchy and clan politics. Even as a political opponent I showed her respect as a woman and a public figure.

“As shadow equalities and women minister, I would hope she would welcome the principle of women coming forward for political office – even those she disagrees with. I am saddened that she is lobbying nationally to limit the right of local Labour members to make their own choice by seeking to remove me from even a potential shortlist.”

She added: “We have a once in a generation opportunity for delivering a truly transformational Labour manifesto at a national and regional level. I am keen to work with all Labour colleagues, including Naz Shah, to fight the real battle with the Tories to achieve this.”

Expressing concern that Shah had contemplated suicide, Yaqood called for the two women to work together.

She said: “I am genuinely sorry to read that Naz Shah has felt suicidal. As a psychotherapist, and someone who suffers from depression myself and campaigns to address stigma related to mental ill health, I understand how distressing such a state is. I have lost one of my closest friends to suicide and take the matter very seriously.”