Rachel Reeves Faces 'Appalling Lack of Judgment' Allegations Over Preacher Friendship
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been accused of an "appalling lack of judgment" by the Reform Party today, following revelations about her "friendship" with a local Islamist preacher described as a "fanatic." The allegations centre on Arshad Khatana, a figure in Leeds, with Reform claiming Ms Reeves is trying to "save her own skin" in her constituency by associating with him.
Reform's Dossier Details Extensive Association
A dossier produced by Reform, launched by Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick in a social media video, asserts that Ms Reeves has been photographed with Mr Khatana 27 times since 2010. Mr Khatana, who has served as Chairman of the Leeds Council of Mosques, is alleged to have shared content featuring individuals from groups designated as terrorist organisations in the UK, including a video about the Pakistani military.
Further claims in the dossier include:
- Mr Khatana's mosque reportedly hosted preacher Muhammad Adil Shahzad, previously accused of making antisemitic remarks about Google.
- Mr Khatana is said to have shared "conspiracy theories" about the September 11 attacks and an international "lending mafia" run by "Zionist Rothschild criminals."
Labour's Response and Suspension
A Labour Party spokesman insisted that Ms Reeves was not aware of the "abhorrent views" apparently expressed by Mr Khatana online. It is understood that Mr Khatana has been administratively suspended from the party pending an investigation. There was no immediate response from the mosque where he is based to requests for comment.
Broader Context of Sectarian Voting Warnings
These allegations emerge as Reform steps up warnings over "sectarian" voting in Britain. Nigel Farage recently reiterated alarm about the Gorton & Denton by-election, calling for police to probe "concerningly high levels" of so-called "family voting." Mr Jenrick emphasised that this situation highlights renewed concern about foreign issues and sectarian politics influencing national life.
In his video statement, Mr Jenrick said: "She has become very close to a local 'community leader' in Leeds in order to save her own political skin. But this man is a fanatic who has repeatedly shown that he holds shocking views. Reeves must answer for this and explain why she has become so close to this man." He added that Ms Reeves should be focused on economic issues like unemployment and taxes.
Timing Ahead of Spring Statement
The controversy comes on the eve of Ms Reeves delivering her Spring Statement, which is expected to provide a gloomy update on the economy. This adds political pressure as she navigates both policy challenges and personal allegations.
As the investigation unfolds, the case raises questions about political associations and their implications for public trust and national cohesion.
