Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
25
Feb 2024
How an anti-semitism row left Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems in disarray
Pat Marsh’s string of tweets which ignited a row over anti-semitism left local Liberal Democrats in disarray this week.
At a time when the world’s eyes are fixed on the ongoing conflict in Isreal and Gaza, Harrogate’s most senior Lib Dem councillor was at the centre of a social media storm in relation to the war.
Cllr Marsh, who has been a councillor in Harrogate and Knaresborough for 33 years, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, over a five-week period to post about the plight of Palestinians.
Some included reposting tweets about the conflict. But others which were posted from January onwards described Jews as “vile”, “evil” and “a disgrace to the world”.
The matter is subject to a North Yorkshire Police investigation, a North Yorkshire Council standards process and an internal probe by the Liberal Democrats.
Cllr Marsh, who was suspended from the party, has remained defiant and has refused to resign as a councillor.
But the matter left the Liberal Democrats in a politically sensitive situation.
Cllr Pat Marsh
Removal of responsibility
Political moves have already been made on North Yorkshire Council to remove Cllr Marsh from positions of responsibility.
She was replaced as chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency planning committee on Wednesday in her absence following a motion by Conservative Cllr Michael Harrison.
In the May 2022 local elections, jubilant Lib Dems celebrated taking control of the council's area committee with eight of the 13 councillors elected in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Harrogate and Knaresborough area committee.
Following her suspension, and the earlier defection of Cllr Michael Schofield to become an Independent, the party now has six of the 13 seats on the committee.
As a result, the row over anti-semitism may dilute the party’s influence on major council matters, such as the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway project.
The local party has been tight lipped on the saga this week. A source close to the party told the Stray Ferret there had been “radio silence” from within the Liberal Democrats to its local members. Questions to parliamentary candidate Tom Gordon have been fielded by the national press office.
Meanwhile, Cllr Marsh is subject to a council standards investigation to determine whether she breached its code of conduct.
The code aims to ensure councillors do not discriminate against any person, treat others with respect and do not bring the council into disrepute.
The Local Government Association says a councillor can be removed from their role by the local authority should they be found to have committed a serious breach of the code.
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council to ask what the investigation will involve.
In response, Richard Flinton, chief executive of the authority, said:
A council spokesperson added that it would be making no further comment on the issue.
Harrogate MP weighs in
The issue is politically difficult for the Lib Dems in the run-up to a general election.
Mr Gordon will contest the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency for the party against Conservative MP Andrew Jones.
Following this week’s events, Mr Gordon appears to have removed any picture with Cllr Marsh from his social media accounts, including Facebook and X.
Read more:
- Ex-Lib Dem leader Pat Marsh released from custody
- Pat Marsh refuses to resign as councillor following antisemitism row
- Pat Marsh removed from Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee
However, Mr Jones wasted little time in raising the matter over Cllr Marsh in the House of Commons on Monday, describing the comments as “horrendous” and questioned why the Liberal Democrats failed to act sooner.
Mr Jones accused the Lib Dems of doing nothing to tackle the issue until it was exposed in the media, adding:
A Lib Dem party spokesperson described the Harrogate MP’s comments as “outrageous” and without evidence.
They added:
In a sign that the national party has been eager to get a grip on the matter, any enquiry to local Liberal Democrats has been met with a response from a press officer in London.
With Cllr Marsh still holding her Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone seat, and further repercussions possible, the fallout is likely to continue.
0