A ‘crackpot’ Lib Dem candidate has been suspended by his party. It comes after Facebook posts describing anti-semitism as a ‘fraud’ and claiming the home secretary’s background made for a ‘cocktail of hatred’ - reportedly posted from his social media account - came to light.
Fezan Khalid, who is due to stand for election to Rochdale council in May, is now barred from campaigning as a Lib Dem pending the result of an internal investigation. It is possible he could be expelled from the party, despite being on the ballot paper for the Smallbridge and Firgrove ward. His suspension is to be enforced by the local party, which says it ‘welcomes the decision’.
It comes after political blog Guido Fawkes reported on screenshots from Mr Khalid’s Facebook account, branding him a ‘crackpot council candidate’. They appear to reference ‘antisemitic fraud’ in May 2021. The post reads ‘the Jews that created Zionism/Communism and then Israel are Ashkenazi jews (European Jews).They are not semitic Jews but white European caucasian Jews'.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Another post shared from the account was about the Home Secretary, which states ‘Suella Braverman is a Buddhist, Mother is Indian Christian, Father is Hindu. Husband is Jewish, mix that up and you get a cocktail of hatred’.
And another post claims that the Board of Deputies of British Jews were ‘behind the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn [from the Labour Party]’.
The national party first indicated that Mr Khalid was to undertake ‘anti-semitism training’ after apologising for the now deleted posts.
However, it has now confirmed tougher action has been taken.
A spokesperson for the party said: “Based on further evidence that has been reviewed under the Party's Independent Complaints Process, Fezan Khalid has been suspended from the party, pending outcome of the complaint.”
Coun Andy Kelly, leader of Rochdale council’s Lib Dem group, added: “The Senior Adjudicator Team have reviewed a complaint and made a decision to suspend the respondent under paragraph 5.1 of the Party’s Federal Complaints Procedures until the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
"Rochdale Liberal Democrats welcome this decision and cannot make further public comment as not to influence the ongoing investigation.
"In the mean time the local party have been asked to enforce this suspension as best as is reasonably practical, and will be doing so effective immediately. "
The Guido Fawkes blog also questioned the Lib Dems’ vetting processes, claiming ‘a quick look’ at Mr Khalid's Facebook page ‘is all you need to see that the Lib Dems’ due diligence process is failing’.
Coun Andy Kelly says his group immediately reported the issue on becoming aware of the story triggering an internal investigation.
He added that Mr Khalid had been through the standard vetting process for Liberal Democrats candidates.
Locally, Labour is questioning the wording of an election leaflet, in which Mr Khalid writes: “The decision is yours. A British Rochdale born candidate to represent you or ANOTHER 4 years or a worn out councillor.”
Mr Khalid is challenging Kashmiri-born Labour councillor Amna Mir in the Smallbridge and Firgrove ward.
Prior to publication we approached Mr Khalid for comment on the social media posts from his Facebook account. He declined to comment.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Cocaine dealer rumbled after sharing picture of his driving licence in dark, murky network used by criminal underworld
- MORE Greater Manchester Police officers disciplined over 'racist' WhatsApp group
- Glamorous retro-inspired café bar opening this month
- Strangeways prison... a stage for high drama, violent protest and terrible tragedy - as well as justice
- 'A bunch of animals': Mum's horror as footage shows disabled daughter being attacked by gang of girls
