Tory candidate is suspended after ‘brainwashing’ comment on Israel
THE CONSERVATIVE candidate for Leeds North East has been suspended from the Conservative Party after he said British Jews were “brainwashed extremists” when they return from travelling in Israel.
The Leeds Jewish Leadership Council said “other parties should learn from” the quick action taken by the Conservative Party to suspend Amjad Bashir, as a party spokesman said: “Amjad Bashir has been suspended from the party pending investigation and election support has been withdrawn.”
Mr Bashir will remain on the ballot paper, appearing as the Conservative Party candidate, as the selection process has already been confirmed, but the spokesman made clear the party did not support him any longer.
The Leeds Jewish Community
had been calling for his suspension since the comments from 2014 were revealed by the Jewish Chronicle on Monday.
In a statement, the Leeds Jewish Leadership Council said: “The right decision has been made by the Conservative Party, this is what a zero tolerance approach looks like.
“The due diligence checks of the Conservatives clearly failed but they have now corrected their mistake. Other parties should learn from this.”
The Jewish Leadership Council, Conservative Friends of Israel and the Board of Deputies had condemned Mr Bashir’s comments.
Fabian Hamilton, Labour candidate for Leeds North East, said: “Any person that holds such offensive views is not fit to hold public office, whatever party they represent.”
Leeds City Council councillor Dan Cohen said: “To say I am upset, cross and disappointed is an understatement.”
Mr Bashir said: “I deeply regret the comments I made around brainwashing – this was borne from a personal experience but it was completely wrong and I apologise unreservedly for it.”