Rudd sorry over ‘coloured’ remark
WORK and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has apologised to Diane Abbott after describing her as a “coloured woman”.
Ms Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said the term “coloured” was “outdated” and “offensive”, and was a “revealing choice of words”.
Ms Rudd, who made the comment in an interview with BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine about online abuse suffered by women, said she was “mortified” by her “clumsy” use of language.
“Mortified at my clumsy language and sorry to @HackneyAbbott,” she wrote on Twitter.
“My point stands: that no-one should suffer abuse because of their race or gender.”
In response to a question about internet trolling, Ms Rudd said: “It definitely is worse if you’re a woman, and it’s worst of all if you’re a coloured woman.
“I know that Diane Abbott gets a huge amount of abuse and I think that’s something we need to continue to call out.”
Ms Abbott responded: “The term ‘coloured’, is an outdated, offensive and revealing choice of words.” having resigned last April as home secretary over the Windrush scandal.
Last month, former Labour MP Angela Smith, who quit the party to join the new Independent Group, apologised after appearing to suggest people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds had a “funny tinge”.
Meanwhile, leading bookmaker Coral now makes Ms Rudd a 20-1 shot to be the next Prime Minister.
Michael Gove is the new joint favourite joining Jeremy Corbyn at the top of the betting with odds of 5-1.
Theresa May is odds on, at 8-13, to be replaced as Prime Minister this year.
“Jeremy Corbyn had been alone at the top of our betting to be the next Prime Minister for a long time but Labour’s troubles mean there’s a Conservative face joining him as favourite. Michael Gove is now just 5-1 to be next into Number Ten and he is certainly a leading contender,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
“Theresa May has already said that she knows she won’t lead the Conservatives into another election and we make it odds on that this year is her last in the top job.”