Reported by William Mata, Times Local News
The Labour Party yesterday launched an investigation into reports of anti-Semitism that have led to the suspension of a candidate due to contest May’s Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections.
Roy Smart had been chosen to fight St James’ ward for Labour but has now been de-selected and will no longer take part.
Labour took the decision to suspend him on Monday. This was after his posts on social media, which encouraged followers to question if the Holocaust happened, were picked up by websites including Jewish News.
The move follows widespread reports of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism within the party, for which their leader Jeremy Corbyn has been criticised for not eliminating.
Mr Smart is a frequent user of Facebook and shared an article with the headline: ‘Holocaust deprogramming course: Free yourself from a lifetime of Holo-brainwashing’.
Some of the more extreme material has now been taken down.
But a glance at Mr Smart’s Facebook, even to someone who is not a ‘friend’, reveals a long list of articles he has posted on the themes of supporting Palestine and diminishing Israel.
Labour did not respond to the Times as to whether full background checks were made before his selection as a candidate.
St James’ has not recently been a happy hunting ground for Labour and the news might have boosted the campaign of former Mayor David Neve, a Liberal Democrat, who is hoping to defend the seat.
Cllr Neve said: ‘He has made a big mistake in mixing religion and politics. The focus must be on the ward first and then on the full council.’
