The sole Reform UK councillor in Reading has hit back after being criticised during a council debate about anti-racism.
Reading Borough Council unanimously adopted an anti-racism statement at the full council meeting on 24 March, after a motion from councillor Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood).
During the debate, cllr Isobel Ballsdon warned about rising antisemitism after four Jewish Hatzola ambulances were destroyed in a fire in Golders Green, London. There was a spat over cllr Clarence Mitchell (Reform UK, Emmer Green) not speaking in the discussion.
Cllr Rachel Eden (Labour, Whitley), who seconded the motion, said: "I felt the silence from our solitary councillor did speak volumes. As an ally, I don't understand how anyone could not speak up against racism. We all have a duty to stand with victims of racism and build understanding and unity, and I agree with cllr Ballsdon, actually, that does include antisemitism. This council does have a strong record in many ways, but I think we all recognise that there is more to do, and at a time when there is a combination of pathetic and frightening rhetoric from certain members of Reform, it's heartening that the vast majority of us in this chamber are ready and able and proud to say we are anti-racist."
Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles (Labour, Whitley) offered cllr Mitchell the chance to speak - a technical breach of protocol - to allow him to respond.
He said: "It's a real shame cllr Eden, who I respect, has felt the need to make what is a blatantly political point ahead of the election. The reason I hadn't said anything is that I am in utter agreement with the motion put forward. I'm not a racist, the party I represent isn't racist, despite what some elements of the media may try to tell you. I was born and bred in Edgware, and I grew up in Golders Green. I know exactly how the Jewish community is feeling at the moment, and more widely, and I completely endorse what cllr Ballsdon has said. The fact that antisemitism is omitted from the statement I find upsetting, I think there should be an equal area of the work that should be done, that looks at antisemitism, it is a festering sore in our society and I will not be accused effectively of somehow being racist by not commenting on this, I'm proud to support the motion, and I want to see anyone, no matter what their race and ethnicity or religion, should feel absolutely able to feel safe in our society. So please do not belittle me personally by bringing this down to the level of politicking a month or so out from the election."
The approved anti-racism statement did not mention any religious group.
Cllrs Dennis, Mitchell, Ballsdon and Eden are all seeking to retain their seats at the council elections on Thursday 7 May.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
