Salisbury's first ever Muslim mayor who was expelled from the Tory party in anti-Semitism row 'suggested Jews were responsible for Jesus' death'

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Salisbury's first ever Muslim mayor has been expelled from the Tory party after allegedly suggesting 'Jews were responsible for Jesus' death'.

Atiqul Hoque, who leads Salisbury city council in Wiltshire is alleged to have made the anti-Semetic comments on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. 

The Salisbury Conservative Association said had expelled the councillor following an investigation after it received a formal complaint about 'offensive and inappropriate comments'.

Mr Hoque, who became the cathedral city's first ever Muslim mayor when he was elected in May last year, is appealing the sanction and vowed to continue 'representing the people of Salisbury' as an independent.

In messages, which have been leaked to the Salisbury Journal, Mr Hoque's WhatsApp account is seen writing condemnation of 'Zionist paymaster[s]' and making reference to Jews being Christ-killers.

Atiqul Hoque, who leads Salisbury city council in Wiltshire is alleged to have made the anti-Semetic comments on WhatsApp and other social media platforms

The Salisbury Conservative Association said had expelled the councillor (pictured) following an investigation after it received a formal complaint about 'offensive and inappropriate comments'

He wrote: 'Finally, I'll tell you what the Quran says... this will happen oppressed and opression you might call me crazy ask any muslim they will tell you end of time or the sign won't come unitl Israel becomes a complete esate, resistance will come when they touch Al Asqa mosque. 

Later in the message he writes: 'Don’t forget who planted the crucifixion of our beloved Jesus Christ peace be upon him, they are good at that… do you think in the second coming JC will agree the blame of blasphemy NO! What does that mean… his not god he’s a messenger a prophet.'

In a statement to MailOnline Mr Hoque said he was disappointed the story has been sent to the media when I was told to keep the matter confidential.

He said: 'There is no truth whatsoever in the allegations that I am antisemitic.

'I will be fighting to clear my name as I am entirely innocent of these allegations.

'My track record speaks for itself; over many years I have worked for all the people of Salisbury, regardless of their religion or ethnic background.

'I am proud of having Jewish friends and supporters, and those I have heard from have sent me messages of support.

'As someone who has experienced occasional racism and discrimination myself, I believe there is no place for either at all.

'In due course I will be happy to share all the communication with everyone was involved as I have nothing to hide.'

Mr Hoque has been a Conservative city councillor for St Edmund’s ward in Salisbury (pictured) since 2015

A spokesman for the Salisbury Conservative Association told the BBC: 'Following a careful examination of the evidence, it has been determined that councillor Hoque's comments are in clear breach of the standards expected from individuals holding public office.

'We take such matters seriously and prioritise the maintenance of high ethical standards and values within our party.' 

The association added it was 'committed to upholding the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect.'

'We take such matters seriously and prioritise the maintenance of high ethical standards and values within our party' he said.

Mr Hoque's comments, came from a WhatsApp group of Salisbury city councillors on Nov 28 last year, according to The Telegraph. 

The remarks have been seen by some to be a reference to Jewish deicide, a historic conspiracy theory that Jews of all generations are collectively responsible for Jesus’s death. 

Over the centuries the belief has led to pogroms and massacres of Jews during the Crusades, the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions.

Mr Hoque has been a Conservative city councillor for St Edmund’s ward in the city since 2015.

Azhar Ali (left), claimed Israel 'deliberately allowed' Hamas 's October 7 massacre of its own people

Ex-MP Graham Jones, who is standing for re-election to his old Hyndburn seat at the general election, has had Labour's backing removed

The Tory anti-Semitism row comes after Labour has been emroiled in a series of issues with its own party members.

The party withdrew support for its Rochdale by-election candidate, Azhar Ali, after the Mail revealed he had made anti-Semitic remarks at a meeting last year. 

But Labour was criticised for being slow to act after The Mail on Sunday reported Mr Ali said Israel 'deliberately allowed' the October 7 massacre to get the 'green light' to invade Gaza. 

The party also later removed its backing for former MP Graham Jones, its candidate for Hyndburn, after it was reported he had used the words 'f****** Israel' at the same meeting. 

Sir Keir is under pressure to come clean over who attended the Rochdale meeting where the vile remarks went seemingly unchallenged. 

Yesterday a poll found just 3 per cent of voters  think Keir Starmer has successfully tackled anti-Semitism within Labour.