A Reform UK councillor who described the Holocaust as a 'hoax' has resigned just days after being elected. Jay Cooper was chosen to represent the Bootle West ward on Sefton Council in Merseyside in last week's local elections, securing 705 votes. However, less than a week into his term, he stepped down following offensive comments made on social media last year.
Controversial Social Media Posts
Sharing an article about the fatal shooting of US commentator Charlie Kirk, Cooper wrote: 'Heartbreaking. Murdered for having an opinion.' In response to a comment asking whether Adolf Hitler deserved to die for his opinions, Cooper stated he did not agree with the murder of innocent people but branded the Holocaust a 'hoax' and 'propaganda.'
During a visit to Merseyside, Nigel Farage said Cooper was 'not welcome' in Reform UK, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. Cooper has since deleted the posts from his public Facebook page and issued an apology. He has resigned from the party but will continue to represent his ward as an independent councillor.
Apology and Resignation
Cooper said: 'I apologise this has taken so long. I want to start by addressing comments I made regarding the Holocaust last year. The Holocaust was real. I was not denying the existence of the camps or the systematic murder carried out by the Nazi regime. I have visited Auschwitz multiple times and have seen first hand the conditions and historical evidence of those atrocities. My comments were poorly expressed and have understandably caused concern and upset. I was not denying the suffering of millions of victims or the crimes committed by the Nazis.'
He added: 'I accept that my words failed to reflect the seriousness and sensitivity this subject demands, and for that I sincerely apologise. I would also like to apologise to anyone who was offended or hurt by my comments. I take full responsibility for my remarks. As a result, I have decided today to resign from Reform UK and continue serving as an independent representative.'
Cooper continued: 'The people of Bootle West voted for me to be their voice, and I remain committed to serving them honestly and tirelessly. I will be here to listen and be the voice of my constituents. I want to thank everyone who placed their trust in me. Too many people in Bootle still feel ignored, left behind, and unheard. I will continue working every day to justify the confidence shown in me, while also earning the respect of those who did not vote for me. I hope, in time, my actions and service to the community will speak louder than this mistake.'
The BBC reported that Reform UK confirmed Cooper's resignation and said his party membership had been revoked.
Another Resignation
Cooper's resignation follows that of fellow newly-elected Reform UK councillor Stuart Prior, who also stepped down. Stuart Prior was one of 53 Reform members elected to Essex County Council last week as Nigel Farage's party secured a majority. Prior resigned from the council and was expelled from the party days after the Mirror exposed him for 'racist bile' on social media.
