Dudley councillor faces removal calls despite anti-Semitism apology

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 13:28 · Archive

A Dudley Reform UK councillor apologised for anti-Semitic social media posts but Labour politicians are calling for his removal.

Caley Ashman, a Reform UK councillor on Dudley Council, apologised at November's full council meeting for 'inappropriate' social media posts made before his election. Among the posts was his use of the term 'goyslop', which is widely regarded as anti-Semitic, along with other remarks he acknowledged were in poor taste.

The apology came after television revelations in October showed councillors at other authorities making racist comments, which resulted in party members being suspended. These revelations prompted calls for Ashman's removal from office.

In his statement to the council, Ashman said: 'I acknowledge that some of the language I used was inappropriate and fell below the standards that people rightly expect from an elected representative. I sincerely apologise to anyone who has been offended or hurt by my words.' He claimed that 'goyslop' referred to poor quality television and film content and that he did not intend to be derogatory to Jewish people. He also acknowledged that other comments should not have been shared online.

Ashman further stated: 'These historical posts are not representative of my everyday conduct, the way I treat other people or the values I seek to demonstrate.'

However, Dudley's Labour group leader Cllr Shaukat Ali was unimpressed. He said he did not see 'an ounce of remorse from Cllr Ashman', characterising the apology as hollow. Labour continues to press for the councillor's removal from office.

Dudley councillor faces removal calls despite anti-Semitism apology — Image: Birmingham World

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How it is being reported

Calls for Dudley councillor to go despite apology for 'inappropriate' social media postsDudley councillor Caley Ashman has apologised for 'inappropriate' social media posts, but Labour politicians are continuing to call for his removal from office.Birmingham World · 9 Nov, 12:58
Calls for Dudley councillor to go despite apology for 'inappropriate' social media postsDudley councillor Caley Ashman has apologised for 'inappropriate' social media posts, but Labour politicians are continuing to call for his removal from office.Express & Star · 9 Nov, 12:58
Calls for Dudley Reform UK councillor to go despite apology in anti-Semitism rowLabour say apology sounded 'hollow' as Reform UK face more calls to get rid of member accused of anti-Semitic posts onlineBirminghamLive · 9 Nov, 11:50

In this story: Caley Ashman · Shaukat Ali · Dudley Council · Reform UK · Dudley

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