Tory councillor Atiqul Hoque expelled for alleged antisemitic comments

Atiqul Hoque is accused of making the offensive comments on social media and WhatsApp

A councillor has been kicked out of the Conservative Party over alleged antisemitic remarks, the BBC understands.

The Salisbury Conservative Association said it had received a formal complaint about "offensive and inappropriate comments" by Salisbury mayor Atiqul Hoque on social media and WhatsApp.

The party said it would expel the councillor following an investigation.

Mr Hoque said: "There is no truth whatsoever in the allegations."

"I will be fighting to clear my name," he added.

Mr Hoque is a ward councillor on Salisbury City Council and has been mayor since May 2023.

An association spokesman said the party was "committed to upholding the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect".

After receiving the complaint, he said they had "initiated a thorough investigation, in accordance with our robust complaints process".

"Following a careful examination of the evidence, it has been determined that councillor Hoque's comments are in clear breach of the standards expected from individuals holding public office.

"We take such matters seriously and prioritise the maintenance of high ethical standards and values within our party," he added.

"The complaints process allows individuals the opportunity to present their perspective and "allows for a fair and impartial assessment of the situation", he said.

'Nothing to hide'

In a statement, Mr Hoque said he had "nothing to hide" and was "entirely innocent of these allegations".

"There is no truth whatsoever in the allegations that I am antisemitic," he added.

Mr Hoque, the councillor for St Edmund's, does have a right to appeal, but is no longer a Conservative representative.

It is understood he will continue to serve out his term as mayor as an independent.