Reform UK has removed a mayoral candidate from its ranks following controversial comments in which he compared a Jewish community safety group to “Islamists on horseback”.
Chris Parry, who had been selected to run for mayor in Hampshire, made the remarks about members of Shomrim, a Jewish neighbourhood safeguarding organisation. His comments emerged just hours after an arson attack targeted ambulances operated by Hatzola, a Jewish emergency service in North London that works alongside Shomrim.
A spokesperson for Reform UK confirmed the decision to the Hampshire Chronicle, stating: “He has been suspended pending an investigation and is no longer our mayoral candidate.”
Reform UK Candidate Suspension Follows Social Media Controversy
Parry, a retired Royal Navy rear admiral, posted on X questioning whether Christians in Britain could establish their own patrol groups.
The post read: “Can Christian’s [sic] in Britain set up their own police and patrol certain neighbourhoods?” He added: “Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens.”
When challenged by another user regarding his characterisation of Shomrim, Parry responded: “They are a community organisation, not a legal entity. It’s the same with Islamists on horseback. But if it offends you, I’ll remove it.”
He later clarified his position in comments to The Guardian, saying: “Most people on X commenting seem to be confusing various community action groups with the real police. Keen that people understand that.”
Political Backlash Grows Over Reform UK Candidate Remarks
Parry had been expected to contest the Hampshire and Solent mayoral election in 2028. However, this is not the first time he has faced criticism. In December, he drew backlash after suggesting Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy should “go home” to the Caribbean.
Despite the earlier controversy, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not publicly condemn those remarks at the time, allowing Parry to remain as a candidate.
Following the latest incident, opposition parties intensified their criticism. Labour and the Liberal Democrats called for immediate action, arguing that Parry should have been removed sooner.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Nigel Farage should have booted Chris Parry out of his party months ago. The fact he didn’t shows what a weak leader he is and just how far he’s willing to drag politics into the gutter.
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“Parry has made numerous appalling and racist comments that showed he was unfit for office – the fact it took Farage this long speaks volumes.
“Reform are insulting the public with their litany of toxic candidates. Labour stands against Reform’s division and is the only party with a plan to cut the cost of living and restore pride in Britain.”
Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, Calvin Bailey, also reacted on X, writing: “In December, I wrote to Nigel Farage about his candidate’s many vile racist and misogynist comments, asking if he would take action. Months later – and only after further offensive remarks – Reform have finally suspended Chris Parry.
“It should not take repeated incidents for basic standards of decency to be upheld.”
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