Middlesbrough council vice-chair to meet local shul after ‘antisemitic’ posts
Among the material alleged to have been sent, one references David Icke and the Rothschild family
The recently-elected vice-chair of Middlesbrough Council is set to meet with a local synagogue for sensitivity training over claims he sent “antisemitic” posts.
This comes after Middlesbrough Labour urged cllr Lee Garvey to resign over the posts, allegedly sent from his personal account before he assumed public office.
More details on the exact location and date of the training session have yet to be confirmed.
Among the material reportedly sent by the Independent councillor, one reads: “And so the Rothschild agenda on as UK obeys its financial masters.
“Read David Icke’s book, it tells you what happens next, Iran Afghanistan, Libya, now Syria and next WW3.
“Start watching alternative media, start thinking for yourselves, it’s a con.”
In a statement, Middlesbrough Labour Deputy Leader Denise Rooney urged cllr Lee Garvey to “do the right thing” and apologise for his comments and resign.
“Cllr Garvey’s conduct brings Middlesbrough Council – a council that has long history of campaigning against racism in all its forms – into disrepute,” she writes.
“I’ve written to the Council’s Monitoring Officer asking for a full investigation into councillor Garvey’s comments.”
Another post, which dates back to 2015, reads: “Just saw an interview with David Cameron [sic] where he says we need to stop the demonisation of Jews.
“Let’s look at how I see it. Israel is doing to Palestine what they themselves suffered at the hands of the Nazis.”
The post continues: “Watch any US sitcom or show, and you will see all the vast majority have at least Jewish one character if not Jewish family.
“Why is this when they make up JUST 2.2 percent of the population??”
When approached for comment, Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “First and foremost, I strongly condemn antisemitism and all forms of racism.
“Whilst I won’t be calling on cllr Garvey’s resignation, I’ve already spoken to him and will be meeting with him as a matter of urgency to discuss his responsibilities in his elected role.
“I’ve already arranged a meeting with a local synagogue. They’ve been fantastic and we’ve arranged for Lee and I to visit the synagogue to learn more about Judaism and the sensitivities around antisemitism.
“We’re also looking to arrange a visit from representatives of the synagogue to the Town Hall in the very near future.”
Cllr Lee Garvey has been approached for comment.
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