Suspended Reform UK candidate hits back at party over social media controversy
A former Reform UK mayoral candidate has insisted there was “malign reading” of his comparison between a Jewish community group and “Islamists on horseback”.
A suspended Reform UK mayoral candidate has denied describing a Jewish neighbourhood watch group as “cosplayers”.
Chris Parry insisted there had been a “malign reading” of his remarks about a social media post following Monday’s arson attacks on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.
Hatzola provides volunteer medical response and ambulance services in Jewish communities. Shomrim are volunteer neighbourhood patrols focused on safety, deterrence, and liaising with police.
The retired rear admiral from Portsmouth also appeared to hit out at Reform UK, criticising his suspension and claiming the party “haven’t even spoken to me”.
The controversy stems from a post by Catherine Blaiklock, a co-founder of the Brexit Party, posted hours after news of the attack broke. It read: “Can Christians in Britain set up their own police and patrol certain neighbourhoods?” and included an image of several Shomrim vehicles.
Parry reposted it, adding: “Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens.”
Challenged on the characterisation of Shomrim, he doubled down, replying: “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.”
Following the backlash, Mr Parry described himself as “a lifelong, committed, energetic ally of Jewish people.”
He added: “The issue was caused by a malign reading of my attempt to respond to a tweet criticising Jewish people.”
It’s not the first time his social media history has caused trouble. As previously reported, Dr Parry faced criticism over an older post suggesting David Lammy should “go home” to the Caribbean, implying that was where the Deputy Prime Minister’s “loyalty lies”.
At the time, the comments were described as “racist” by Anna Turley MP, the chair of the Labour Party. In January this year, Parry apologised for any distress or offence caused by his “clumsily worded” remark.
Labour said Mr Parry should have been expelled months ago and accused Mr Farage of weak leadership.
“Reform are insulting the public with their litany of toxic candidates. Labour stands against Reform’s division and is the only party with a plan to cut the cost of living and restore pride in Britain.”
The Liberal Democrats described the remarks as “deeply insensitive, insulting and not befitting of someone who wants to hold public office” and questioned how he had passed vetting.
Party home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson said: “Farage must now ensure he takes firmer action every time a Reform politician or candidate makes racially offensive comments – which is more frequently than most right-minded people would want.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that Mr. Parry was emailed at 09:11 on March 24 from Reform UK following two unsuccessful attempts to contact him by phone.