Rishi Sunak met mayor expelled by Tories over antisemitism claims at Downing Street
Leaked messages allegedly show the Mayor of Salisbury Councillor Atiqul Hoque linked Israel's treatment of the Palestinians with the crucifixion of Christ writing 'they are good at that'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A Conservative mayor expelled from the party on antisemitism allegations had shared video and photos of himself meeting with both Rishi Sunak and David Cameron on his social media feed in recent months.
Councillor Atiqul Hoque, the Mayor of Salisbury, was expelled from the Tory Party after sending “offensive and inappropriate comments on WhatsApp and social media” it was confirmed on Wednesday.Conservatives expel mayor who shared ‘offensive comments’ about Jews
In messages subsequently leaked to the Salisbury Journal, it is alleged that Hoque posted a WhatApp message linking Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians with the crucifixion of Christ.
He is claimed to have written:”Don’t forget who planted the crucifixion of our beloved Jesus Christ peace be upon him, they are good at that….”
It’s been honour an to be given a slot to meet our @10DowningStreet. I’m lucky to say I share 3 things in common PM. We both made history, we are both British Asian, we both had work experience at the same restaurant Kuti’s in Southampton ???? pic.twitter.com/cbNINvmovf
— Atiqul Hoque (@atiqulhoque76) October 18, 2023
Another Facebook post in Atiqul Hoque’s name also appeared to show he had written on Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza claiming “like it or not… it’s all about expanding territories!”
In a further WhatsApp post allegedly from Salisbury’s first ever Muslim mayor, it was suggested that “Zionist the pay mastered (sic) will NOT accept” a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, adding: “It’s not in their nature to do so.”
The mayor also appeared to claim that Israel would face further “resistance when they touch Al Asqa mosque.”
But on the mayor’s publically accessible social media page on X/Twitter he continued to show a video of himself meeting with Prime Minister Sunak at Downing Street on October 18th last year.
He of the meeting:”I’m lucky to say I share 3 things in common (with the) PM. We both made history, we are both British Asian, we both had work experience at the same restaurant Kuti’s in Southampton.”
There is no suggestion the PM was aware of claims of antisemitism against the mayor when they met.
Another post on the same platform showed Hoque photographed with foreign secretary David Cameron on November 13th.
Hoque wrote that Cameron “will make a wonderful foreign minister, he has all the qualities more importantly a gentleman and very humble. World will respond much better.”
On February 4th, as Cameron spoke of the need for Palestinian state recognition despite a backlash with the party, Hoque wrote:”Good luck David Cameron right man for the job.”
The photos will come as an embarrassment to the Tories who have sought to capitalise on Labour’s renewed problems over antisemitism claims.
Rochdale candidate Azhar Ali, now standing without Labour’s backing, had made similar claims about Israel using the war in Gaza against Hamas to expand territory in a leaked recording.
After ex-Labour MP Graham Jones was also recorded making inflammatory claims about British Jews fighting for Israel, a succession of senior Tory figures mounted social media attacks on Keir Starmer’s record over tackling anti-Jewish racism.
Cllr Hoque has denied any wrongdoing and has said he will appeal against his expulsion from the party. He told the Salisbury Journal he was continue as mayor as an independent.
Jewish News has contacted Downing Street for comment.
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