A CONSERVATIVE candidate for the local elections who allegedly posted anti-Semitic comments on social media has been withdrawn by the party.

But another candidate, Mazhar Aslam, who was accused of posting anti-Semitic material, will still stand for the party in the Sedgley ward, which has a large Jewish population.

He said that a post that was reported was not anti-Semitic but understands how some people may not agree with its "contents" and has apologised.

However, Sham Raja, another Sedgley candidate, "no longer has the endorsement of Bury Conservative Party in this election".

The party has also said Dr Shadman Zaman was not confirmed as a Besses candidate due to a "failure to comply with instructions regarding electoral law and party guidance". 

A Bury Conservatives spokesman said: “Following certain social media posts being brought to our attention yesterday (Monday) made by two of the candidates for Sedgley ward, the association has investigated the matter and spoken to both candidates.

“Mr. Sham Raja no longer has the endorsement of Bury Conservative Party in this election.

“Mr Mazhar Aslam continues to be a Conservative candidate.

"His explanation was that the single post complained of was not anti-Semitic in nature although he understood some would not agree with the contents of his post.

“He apologised and undertook to be more careful with the use of his language in this sensitive area in the future. His explanation and apology were accepted.

“We also wish to make clear that Dr Shadman Zaman was not confirmed as a Besses Ward candidate because of his failure to comply with instructions regarding electoral law and Party guidance and not because of any of his expressed views.”

Yesterday, the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region said they were made aware of the social media posts.

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.”