Labour rising star Chuka Umunna was condemned by London clubbers today for once branding many West End nightspots as “full of trash and C-list wannabes”.
The shadow business secretary and former DJ, who is tipped as a future Labour leader, apologised for any offence caused by his comments, which he accepted were “not appropriate”.
Mr Umunna, 34, made the remarks seven years ago when he was a lawyer, before becoming MP for Streatham, on private website ASmallWorld, which is used by celebrities and wealthy
“jetrosexuals”. Under the name
Harrison Umunna — his middle name — he posted: “Is it just me or is there a serious lack of cool places to go in central London at the weekends?
“Most of the West End haunts seem to be full of trash and C-list wannabes, while other places that should know better opt for the cheesy vibe.”
Today, clubber Alissia Ricci, 34, a business student from Knightsbridge, said: “I think he is wrong. The West End is amazing. I love the restaurants, the bars, the nightclubs. He should go out more and see a few more places.”
Andrea Juganaru, 24, also a business student, from Lancaster Gate, said: “The West End is a very good place to go out. I like everything about it — the clubs, the people and the music. The MP should stick to politics.”
Health store manager Claire Hankey, 31, from west London, said: “Doesn’t he realise the money these places bring into the capital? If you are in the know, you know where to go that’s cool.”
Matthew Shields, 27, in finance, from Highgate, said: “The West End is a good night out. There’s no hassle, everyone is nice and friendly.”
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A spokesman said Mr Umunna, 34, who has been compared to US president Barack Obama, apologised if any offence has been caused.
The MP’s user account on ASmallWorld still exists, said the spokesman, but Mr Umunna has not posted on the site for years. “In terms of the post from 2006, these were comments made on a private social network well over half a decade ago.
"Though light-hearted in tone and context, and made long before he became an MP, Chuka accepts the words used were not appropriate.”
