Reform UK has suspended its Hampshire mayoral candidate after comparing a Jewish community group to “Islamists on horseback”.
The party, led by Nigel Farage, confirmed that Rear Admiral Chris Parry has been suspended and will no longer stand in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight mayoral elections in May 2028.
The move follows comments in which he described a Jewish neighbourhood watch group as “cosplayers” and likened them to “Islamists on horseback” after the north London ambulance arson attack.
Chris Parry, now suspended pending an investigation, made the remarks in response to a social media post asking whether Christians would be able to set up their own patrols following Monday’s arson attacks on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.
He had shared a post by Catherine Blaiklock, a co-founder of the Brexit Party, posted hours after news of the attack broke. It read: “Can Christian’s 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.”
Hatzola provides volunteer medical response and ambulance services in Jewish communities. Shomrim are volunteer neighbourhood patrols focused on safety, deterrence, and liaising with police.
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.
The Portsmouth Reform UK group were approached for comment.
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