Conservative council leader calls Lib Dems a ‘refuge for bigotry’

A Conservative Council leader called the Lib Dems a “refuge for bigotry” and urged them to expel their newly-defected candidate, Helene Richman, at last night’s Jewish community hustings.

In a damning rebuke, Conservative council leader Dan Thomas said that Richman’s “apology was not good enough” after Jewish News revealed she had criticised her Jewish running mate for wearing a kippah.

He added: “To put Cllr Richman’s remarks down to language and offer a glib apology is a lazy cover-up.

“Her remarks clearly imply that she believes certain Jewish attire and appearances are vote losers.

“No Jewish candidate should be told to trim their beard or cover their kippah, it’s intolerant and offensive.”

“Cllr Richman abhorrently tries to justify her remarks by claiming voters of West Hendon are antisemitic, but it’s her own disgusting views that are the problem.

“I am shocked Cllr Rozenberg believes her comments are in any way compatible with public life.

“This matter warrants no less than suspension from his party. Until that happens, the Lib Dems remain a safe refuge for bigotry.”

Richman defected from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats last week after allegations about her behaviour emerged.

Conservative Party officials claim she was deselected following two serious complaints about her language and conduct.

Cllr Richman defended her views at the time by claiming that West-Hendon residents: “despise the Orthodox school – they hate the school, the staff and the parents.”

On Thursday Richman issued a statement of apology. She said: “As a Jewish person myself, I know how poor choice of language can offend. I am sorry for any hurt my comments may have caused.”

Barnet council will elect its 63 councillors in local elections next month. The Conservative party are hoping to maintain its longstanding control of the council.