Lib Dems dispute David Ward claim of return to party

Controversial former MP David Ward claims an appeal to be reinstated to the party was ruled in his favour, despite the Lib Dems saying no such application has been received. 

Speaking to Jewish News, Mr Ward, a local councillor in Bradford, claims an appeal to be reinstated initiated a year ago was ruled in his favour last Thursday. 

He said: “There’s a few formalities in terms of notification to the membership services but once that’s done it should all go through.”

The local councilor also dismissed allegations of racism, saying: “I haven’t got a record of antisemitism.”

However,  Rosy Cobb, head of media for the Liberal Democrats, denied the party ever received such an application from Mr Ward and said there were no plans to reinstate him. 

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: “David Ward is not a member of the Liberal Democrats and was previously expelled from the party for bringing it into disrepute.”

Mr Ward, who has been a figure of great concern for the Jewish community, was barred from running in his old seat in Bradford East by former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron last year.

Board of Deputies Vice President Amanda Bowman said: “We were concerned to hear reports that serial offender David Ward has been readmitted to the Liberal Democrats.

“We have spoken to Head Office who have reassured us that this is not the case. Based on his record of antisemitic comments we expect that the Liberal Democrats will do the right thing and not readmit him in the future.”