Reform UK suspends mayoral candidate over comments on Jewish group Reform UK has suspended Chris Parry, its candidate for the first-ever Hampshire and Solent mayoral election, following derogatory comments made about a Jewish community group.

 

Reform UK suspends mayoral candidate over comments on Jewish group

Reform UK has suspended Chris Parry, its candidate for the first-ever Hampshire and Solent mayoral election, following derogatory comments made about a Jewish community group.

 

The suspension, confirmed on March 24, 2026, follows social media posts where Parry:

Targeted Shomrim: Described the Jewish volunteer neighborhood watch group as "cosplayers".

Inflammatory Comparison: Likened the group to "Islamists on horseback".

Timing of Comments: The remarks were made on Monday, March 23, shortly after an antisemitic arson attack destroyed four Jewish charity ambulances in Golders Green, north London.

 

Key Details of the Suspension

Status: A party spokesperson confirmed Parry is suspended pending an investigation and is no longer the mayoral candidate for the 2028 election.

Official Response: Reform UK took action after widespread condemnation from opposition parties. Liberal Democrat and Labour spokespeople criticized the party's initial vetting, noting Parry's history of controversial remarks.

Parry's Background: A retired Royal Navy rear admiral, Parry had previously faced calls for removal in early 2026 after suggesting Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy should "go home to the Caribbean".

 

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the underlying arson attack in Golders Green as an antisemitic hate crime.