Reform UK launches investigation into candidate over alleged antisemitic and xenophobic posts
Mike Manning is candidate in next month's election for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Reform UK has confirmed it has opened a disciplinary investigation into one of its election candidates following allegations of antisemitic and xenophobic comments posted on social media.
Mike Manning, a former Royal Artillery serviceman and Reform UK’s candidate in an upcoming by-election for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, is alleged to have posted several offensive remarks on X (formerly Twitter) last November. In one post, Manning appeared to write: “Jews, Muslims… there is something about circumcision that goes to their heads.”
In another post from the same month, responding to a comment about social benefits, Manning wrote: “We already pay the Jizya tax, it’s called Universal Credits. They are all on it.” Jizya is a historical Islamic tax levied on non-Muslims in exchange for protection.
Manning also appeared to target African Americans in a separate post, replying to someone celebrating the festival of Kwanzaa with the comment: “Are you having the traditional stuffed Chimpanzee for Kwanzaa dinner?”
After being alerted to the posts by LBC, a Reform UK spokesperson said: “As soon as we became aware of these posts, we immediately opened a disciplinary investigation.”
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper condemned the remarks, accusing the Reform UK candidate of “directing sickening insults at Jewish and Muslim communities,” and described the posts as “abhorrent and utterly out of place in twenty-first century Britain.” She added that Manning’s “antisemitic and xenophobic views have no place in society today.”
A post on the Reform UK Redcar branch Facebook page states that Manning became disillusioned with mainstream politics and believes it is time for real change. Manning is quoted as saying: “Reform is dedicated to protecting our community, supporting the vulnerable, and investing in our youth; they are the only party speaking up for our traditions and values.”
Party leader Nigel Farage has pledged to improve Reform UK’s candidate selection process ahead of the May local elections.
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