Expelled Tory mayor ‘said Jews were responsible for Jesus’s loss of life’

A Tory mayor who was expelled from the Conservative Party in an anti-Semitism row steered that Jewish individuals are answerable for Jesus’s loss of life, The Telegraph can reveal.

Atiqul Hoque, a member of Salisbury City Council in Wiltshire, has been accused of creating “offensive and inappropriate comments” on WhatsApp and different social media platforms.

On Tuesday night time he was expelled from the Conservative Party with fast impact after officers investigated a proper grievance that was filed in opposition to him by a fellow Tory supporter.

Mr Hoque, who was the cathedral metropolis’s first ever Muslim mayor when he was elected in May final 12 months, is interesting the sanction and vowed to proceed “representing the people of Salisbury” as an impartial.

The Telegraph has obtained messages that are understood to have fashioned a part of the investigation, which present Mr Hoque condemning “Zionist paymaster[s]” and showing to make reference to an anti-Semitic trope about Jews being Christ-killers.

The feedback got here in a WhatsApp group of Salisbury metropolis councillors on Nov 28 final 12 months, which started with Mr Hoque sharing an image of a Salisbury Journal newspaper letter written by a Jewish lady that criticised the native Tory MP John Glen for voting in opposition to a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.

Mr Hoque captioned the screenshot with the phrases “faith restored”, which led to a fellow Tory councillor disagreeing by saying that “a letter accusing Israel of genocide [and] calling it a Zionist state is not one I think we should be lauding”.

Mr Hoque then responded by defending a lot of the letter and claiming that ministers “will lose their post if they suggest 2 estate (sic) solutions not Jewish people but Zionist the pay mastered (sic) will NOT accept it’s not in their narrative to do so”.

Conspiracy principle

Following a recital of the Quran, Mr Hoque concluded his 300-word message by remarking how “don’t forget who planted the crucifixion of our beloved Jesus Christ peace be upon him, they are good at that…”.

Sources near the case stated this was an obvious reference to the Jewish deicide, a historic conspiracy principle that Jews of all generations are collectively answerable for Jesus’s loss of life which has led to pogroms and massacres of Jews throughout the Crusades, the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions and others.

The Telegraph understands that the message change fashioned a part of the grievance made in opposition to Mr Hoque.

The feedback have sparked outrage. A supply near the case advised The Telegraph: “I was stunned to receive these messages from Cllr Hoque which use various anti-Semitic tropes. Whatever one’s views on the Israel/Palestine conflict, it surely cannot be right to speak of ‘Zionist paymasters’ or make the inference that Jewish are blasphemous for their alleged role in the death of Christ.”

Mr Hoque has been a Conservative metropolis councillor for St Edmund’s ward since 2015.

The Salisbury Conservative Association stated in an announcement: “Upon receiving a formal complaint, our party initiated a thorough investigation, in accordance with our robust complaints process. This process ensures that individuals have the opportunity to present their perspective and allows for a fair and impartial assessment of the situation.”

The social gathering added: “Following a careful examination of the evidence, it has been determined that councillor Hoque’s comments are in clear breach of the standards expected from individuals holding public office.

“As a result, the Conservative Party has taken the decision to expel Councillor Atiqul Hoque from the party.”

Labour delay

The row comes after Labour was pressured to take motion in opposition to two parliamentary candidates inside 24 hours after their anti-Israel feedback got here to mild.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour chief, suspended Graham Jones, the possible parliamentary candidate for Hyndburn, after it emerged that he referred to “f—ing Israel” at a public assembly.

He was pushed into the choice lower than a day after he was pressured to take away assist for Azhar Ali, his candidate for the Rochdale by-election.

In an announcement, Mr Hoque advised The Telegraph: “I am disappointed the story has been sent to the media when I was told to keep the matter confidential. There is no truth whatsoever in the allegations that I am anti-Semitic. I will be fighting to clear my name as I am entirely innocent of these allegations.

“My track record speaks for itself; over many years I have worked for all the people of Salisbury, regardless of their religion or ethnic background. I am proud of having Jewish friends and supporters, and those I have heard from have sent me messages of support.

“As someone who has experienced occasional racism and discrimination myself, I believe there is no place for either at all. In due course I will be happy to share all the communication with everyone [who] was involved as I have nothing to hide.”