A candidate for Reform UK has been removed from the party after making controversial remarks likening Jewish individuals to “Islamists on horseback.”
Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who was running as Nigel Farage’s party candidate in Hampshire and Solent, faced suspension following his comments about a Jewish community group shortly after an anti-Semitic arson incident in their vicinity.
On Monday, in Golders Green, north London, four ambulances operated by the charity Hatzola, serving the Jewish community, were destroyed. Authorities are investigating the attack as a potential hate crime, with counter-terror units involved.
In his social media posts, Parry criticized the Jewish neighborhood watch group Shomrim, which collaborates with Hatzola, referring to them as “cosplayers” without any legal authority. This sparked controversy when he shared a post from Catherine Blaiklock, a Brexit party co-founder, questioning the establishment of Christian-led police forces in specific areas.
When confronted about his statements, Parry defended his remarks, likening the Jewish organization to community groups without legal standing, drawing parallels to Islamists on horseback. In response to the backlash, he offered to remove the post if it was offensive.
A spokesperson for Reform UK announced the suspension of Chris Parry pending an investigation, with indications that his candidacy has been put on hold.
Previously, Parry, a former senior Royal Navy officer, had faced backlash for suggesting Deputy PM Mr. Lammy should return to the Caribbean and questioning the loyalty of several public figures from minority backgrounds toward the UK.
Following his suspension, the Labour Party criticized Farage for not taking action against Parry sooner, labeling his comments as racist and unfit for public office. The Liberal Democrats also condemned Parry’s remarks as inappropriate and raised concerns about Reform UK’s candidate vetting process.
The parties called for stricter measures to address racially offensive comments by politicians, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsible leadership in public office.
