Hertsmere’s Labour party has hit back against claims that the Conservatives are the only party to field candidates from ethnic minorities.

The Labour candidate for Brookmeadow, Najaf Raza, is of Pakistani heritage, while Shenley candidate Colin Stanolu is from Romania.

The claims that Conservatives are the only party to field candidates from ethnic minorities came from candidate Victor Eni, who said he was proud to be standing as an ethnic minority candidate.

Councillor Ann Harrison, Hertsmere Labour group leader, said: “The Labour Party is fielding two such candidates in this election and has had many such candidates in the past across the borough.”

Hertfordshire county councillor Leon Reefe added: "We have had a number of ethnic minorities over the last few years. Our party has good mix of people, including ethnic minorities and women, and so is one of the most diverse."