A Conservative candidate who was set on standing in next week’s local elections in Manchester has been suspended pending an investigation after posting a tweet comparing the trans rights movement with Nazis.
Earlier this week, Alex Bramham, who was campaigning for the Piccadilly ward, tweeted a doctored image of the Dad’s Army opening titles - which famously shows the Nazi swastika progressing through Europe. In the tweaked image, the swastika was replaced with the Progress Pride flag shown making its way towards the original 1978 rainbow Pride flag.
The LGBTQ+ Progress flag, first instilled in 2018, updates the original flag by adding five new colours: black and brown to represent people of colour, and pink, light blue and white to represent the trans, non-binary and intersex community.
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In a statement shared with the M.E.N after being asked why he shared the doctored image, Bramham described the original rainbow flag as a ‘powerful metaphor that celebrates real equality’. He said the Progress flag omitted ‘age, religion and disability’, adding: “We should cherish the original design that includes everyone.”
Following the tweets, it has now been confirmed that he has been suspended from the Conservatives pending an investigation. A spokesperson for Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) said: “The individual concerned has had their Party membership suspended pending the outcome of this investigation.”
In a further statement today (April 26), Bramham told the M.E.N: “I respect the party’s investigation and remain steadfast in serving residents of Manchester, campaigning on local issues important to the community regardless of party affiliation.”
In an additional tweet to his more than 4,600 followers, Bramham posted: “I am still on the @LGBTCons ballot. I am still on the @ManCityCouncil ballot. Recall Churchill’s grandson + others had whip removed, briefly serving as Independents. I am committed to serving the community. Thanks for everyone who has offered support, privately and in public.”
In the last year, Bramham has been a controversial figure in Manchester’s politics scene. Last August, he was escorted out of a Manchester Pride protest after wearing LGB Alliance clothing, a group seen by some as one that opposes the transgender community.
Bramham has also expressed interest in running as chair for the LGBT+ Conservatives group, with the aim of rebranding the group as the 'LGB Conservatives'. In his manifesto, Bramham said: “LGB issues are not trans issues and we deserve a voice and representation as much as trans people deserve a platform.”
In February, Bramham stood in the Ancoats and Beswick by-elections. The election was eventually won with 1,113 votes for Liberal Democrats' candidate, Alan Good, with Bramham coming last with 66 votes.
LGBT+ Conservatives confirmed that the group had received 'multiple complaints' about two members, one of whom standing in current elections for committee. The group confirmed to the M.E.N that the members were Bramham and his partner and 'both have been suspended from the Conservative Party'.
"Inline with our constitution, those members are automatically suspended from membership of LGBT+ Conservatives; and thus ineligible for election to the committee,” a spokesperson for LGBT+ Conservatives said. "The election by electronic ballot is currently open and ends on April 29ths, and will continue as planned.
“The now invalid candidate remains on the ballot, however if the suspending member is elected to any position, pending any appeal, the then vacant position will be filled according to the constitution."
James Pearson, Chairman of Manchester Conservatives, said in a statement to the M.E.N: "On a day where Elon Musk buys Twitter, I’ve found it quite interesting to hear the need for censorship over the right to free speech. For me, you need to have diversity and you need to have a debate, and that involves allowing everyone to participate.
“I know in certain areas where Alex has attempted to participate and has been excluded because of who he is, his sexuality and his personal beliefs. I don’t think anyone should be excluded from political discourse for any reason. You only get to see the true extent of people’s views if you’re allowed to have an open discussion without fear of being assaulted.
“I’ve always thought he was a very brave individual and had the courage to state his opinions where others shy away from it and we need that in our society. This is out of my hands and the party locally and is now very much in the purview of the party chairman’s office. We have a procedure to follow and I’ve got confidence in the ability of CCHQ to investigate this properly."
