TWO Conservative Party candidates have been accused of posting anti-Semitic comments on social media ahead of the local elections next month.
Mazhar Aslam and Sham Raja Akhtar, who are both due to be standing for seats in the "large Jewish population" in the Sedgley ward, have allegedly shared "abhorrent views" online.
The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region said they have been made aware of the highly problematic posts and they have commented.
On social media, a spokesman said: “The JRC have been made aware of problematic social media posts from two Conservative Party candidates standing in the forthcoming local elections in Bury.
“The views expressed in the posts are reprehensible and we condemn them in their entirety.
"To have candidates holding such abhorrent views standing for election in a council ward with such a large Jewish population will understandably cause huge concern.
"This is in contrast to a candidate being removed from standing for expressing solidarity with Israeli victims of terrorism.
“The JRC wholeheartedly supports the IHRA Definition on anti-Semitism and expects all parties to adhere to the recommendations.
"We call on the local Conservative Party Association to proactively call out these comments from their candidates.
“It is our view that given the universally accepted definition on anti-Semitism has been breached.
"The individuals should not be endorsed by the Conservative Party.”
The Conservative Party said it is investigating.
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