Calderdale councillor suspended over 'Muslim parasite' posts
- Published
Conservative councillor Mike Payne, of Calderdale Council, represents the Sowerby Bridge ward
A Conservative councillor who shared an article on social media which called Muslims "parasites" has been suspended by the party.
Mike Payne, of Calderdale Council, posted a link to a piece called "France Slashes Benefits to Muslim Parasites by 83%" on Facebook and Twitter in 2013.
His posts, first reported by Politics Home,, external were called "grossly offensive" and a "disgrace" by other users.
Mr Payne has been approached for comment by the BBC.
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The shared article stated France was no longer able to "hold back the crowd of Muslim invaders" who "live off the state and breed like rabbits".
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After his post on Twitter was criticised by a Labour councillor, he replied he had "stated nothing of a racist nature" and was referring to the "actions of the socialist government in France".
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A spokesman for the Conservative Party said: "Mr Payne has been suspended by the party pending an investigation."