Reform UK Suspends Mayoral Candidate Over Controversial Jewish Group Remarks
Reform UK has suspended its mayoral candidate for Hampshire and Solent, Chris Parry, following astonishing comments he made about Jewish community groups just hours after an antisemitic arson attack targeted a Jewish charity in north London.
Immediate Suspension After Social Media Comments
Rear Admiral Chris Parry, a former senior Royal Navy officer and candidate for Nigel Farage's party, was suspended pending investigation after he described members of Jewish neighbourhood watch groups as "Islamists on horseback" and "cosplayers" who lack legal authority.
The controversy erupted after Parry shared and commented on a social media post questioning whether Christian groups could establish their own police patrols in Britain. Parry added his own remarks, stating: "Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens."
Context of Antisemitic Attack
The comments came just hours after four Jewish community ambulances operated by charity Hatzola were destroyed in an arson attack in Golders Green, north London. The Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim, which Parry specifically criticized, works alongside Hatzola in providing community safety services.
When challenged about his remarks, Parry responded: "They are a community organisation, not a legal entity. It's the same with Islamists on horseback. But if it offends you, I'll remove it."
Pattern of Controversial Statements
This incident represents the latest in a series of controversial statements from Parry. The former naval officer had previously faced criticism for suggesting Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy should "go home to the Caribbean" and questioning whether eight prominent figures from minority ethnic backgrounds were primarily loyal to the United Kingdom.
Those figures included Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, independent MP Zarah Sultana, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
In December, The Mirror revealed Parry had faced fresh criticism over what were described as "unacceptable" comments suggesting non-Christians should eat bacon to prove their sincerity to the religion.
Political Reactions and Consequences
A Reform UK spokesman confirmed: "Chris Parry has been suspended by Reform UK, pending investigation." The Mirror understands that his candidacy has also been suspended following the latest controversy.
A Labour Party spokesman responded strongly to the situation: "Nigel Farage should have done the right thing and booted Chris Parry out of Reform UK months ago. He's previously made a huge number of appalling and racist comments and faced no action – he simply isn't fit to be a candidate for public office."
The Labour spokesman continued: "All politicians should be standing squarely with the Jewish community in the face of appalling antisemitism – particularly after the despicable antisemitic attack in Golders Green last night. The fact Nigel Farage has repeatedly failed to take any action against Chris Parry shows how far he's willing to drag politics into the gutter."
Labour emphasized their commitment to standing with the Jewish community and working to ensure they are not subjected to racism, discrimination, or violence.
The suspension comes at a sensitive time for community relations in Britain, particularly following the targeted attack on Jewish community infrastructure in London. The incident raises questions about political accountability and the appropriate response to inflammatory rhetoric directed at minority communities.
