Nigel Farage has come under pressure to dismiss a Reform UK mayoral candidate after remarks comparing a Jewish community organisation to “Islamists on horseback” drew widespread criticism.
Chris Parry, Reform’s prospective candidate for the Hampshire mayoralty, made the comments in reference to Shomrim, a Jewish neighbourhood safeguarding group. His post came shortly after an arson attack targeted ambulances operated by the Jewish charity Hatzola in north London, which works closely with Shomrim.
Parry, who has previously sparked controversy for suggesting deputy prime minister David Lammy should “go home” to the Caribbean, had reposted a message on X questioning whether Christians in Britain could establish their own patrols in local areas.
Reform UK Candidate Chris Parry Criticised Over Shomrim Comments
In his post, Parry wrote: “Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens.” After being challenged by another user over his portrayal of Shomrim, he added: “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 told the Guardian: “Most people on X commenting seem to be confusing various community action groups with the real police. Keen that people understand that.”
The retired rear admiral is expected to stand in the Hampshire and the Solent mayoral election in 2028.
Political Backlash Grows As Labour And Lib Dems Respond
A Labour Party spokesperson criticised Farage for retaining Parry as a candidate.
They said: “Nigel Farage should have done the right thing and booted Chris Parry out of Reform UK months ago. He’s previously made a huge number of appalling and racist comments and faced no action – he simply isn’t fit to be a candidate for public office.
“All politicians should be standing squarely with the Jewish community in the face of appalling antisemitism – particularly after the despicable antisemitic attack in Golders Green last night.
“The fact Nigel Farage has repeatedly failed to take any action against Chris Parry shows how far he’s willing to drag politics into the gutter. Labour will always stand with the Jewish community and continue working to ensure they are not subjected to racism, discrimination, or violence.”
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Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson also condemned the remarks.
He said: “Nigel Farage should act now to drop Chris Parry as Reform’s Hampshire mayoral candidate. These remarks were deeply insensitive, insulting and not befitting of someone who wants to hold public office.
“At a time when we are all thinking of the Jewish community after such a disturbing attack, these comments will compound the pain so many people are already feeling.”
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