Reform candidate investigated for anti-mosque post
FacebookA Solihull election candidate is under investigation for stating that all mosques should be closed down.
Reform candidate for Chelmsley Wood Phil Tierney made the comment last year in response to far-right party Britain First posting a question on social media about whether mosques should be monitored for extremism.
It comes two weeks after the Jewish Chronicle reported Steve Egan, a Reform candidate in Knowle in Solihull, shared an image on social media of "Zionists" pulling the strings of world leaders and questioned whether the King had converted to Islam.
Reform said it was investigating the post relating to Tierney and the party's disciplinary team was investigating Egan.
Tierney's comment has been criticised by Conservative MP for Meriden Saqib Bhatti and the local Liberal Democrat party.
"Farage has said time and time again that he has vetted his candidates," Bhatti said.
"After a case of antisemitism just over two weeks ago we now find out another candidate has been saying all mosques should be shut down.
"Reform need to own up to the fact they haven't vetted their candidates and clarify if these two individuals are still candidates."
XA spokesperson for the Lib Dems in Solihull said the comment was "deeply concerning" and there was "no place in Solihull - or anywhere - for racism, hatred, or intolerance".
"Islamophobia is unacceptable, just as antisemitism and all other forms of prejudice and discrimination are unacceptable.
"We must stand firmly against all of them, consistently and without exception.
"Solihull is a diverse and welcoming borough."
The BBC has contacted Tierney for a response.
About 5,000 seats across 136 local councils in England are up for grabs on 7 May with six mayoral contests also taking place.
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