'This is far-right, dog-whistle politics. If Reform is serious, it must take swift action'

MP SLAMS COUNCILLOR AFTER COMMENT ABOUT WEARING HIJAB AND SWEARING HER OATH ON THE QURAN

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

AN MP has slammed a councillor for engaging in “far-right dog-whistle politics” about her wearing a hijab and swearing on a Quran.

Councillor Simon Mabbott, Reform’s representative for Ilkeston South and Kirk Hallam on Derbyshire County Council, shared a post on Facebook about an MP swearing their parliamentary oath on the Quran while wearing a hijab, a religious head covering.

The now-deleted post, shared by Councillor Mabbott, who is chair of the county's audit committee and support cabinet member for special educational needs, had included a video of Labour MP for Bradford West, Naz Shah, swearing her parliamentary oath on the Quran, while wearing a hijab.

Councillor Mabbott had written on his share of the post: “Is this where British politics is now? Is this the Houses of Parliament in Great Britain? Is this representing you? If you are still sleepwalking into this... it's time to wake up. #ReformUK.”

A commenter asked underneath Councillor Mabbott’s post: “Why should this be allowed, to swear to Allah, this is Christian Britain?”

Councillor Mabbott, who recently ran to be a member of the Reform UK board, responded: “Good question”