Mosque chair suspended over 'shocking views' claim

Labour has suspended the chairman of a Leeds mosque from the party over allegations about his "abhorrent and shocking views".

Arshad Khatana of the Jamia Masjid Ghousia, in Armley, has been administratively suspended from Labour pending an investigation, according to the Press Association.

It came after Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick posted on X criticising Chancellor Rachel Reeves' ties to Khatana, alleging he had "abhorrent and shocking views" and had shared conspiracy theories about 9/11 and made antisemitic comments.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: "These abhorrent views are clearly not shared by the Chancellor. She was not aware of these allegations."

Newark MP Jenrick said Reeves had referred to Khatana as a "friend" and had gone to his house for lunch during her time as Chancellor.

Speaking at a press conference with party leader Nigel Farage, Jenrick said the Chancellor must "explain herself".

Farage admitted he had met Khatana after a picture emerged from his X account of them together in 2013 when he was the leader of Ukip.

He said: "I met him once... you know you can meet someone once, but that's a day on which you probably met and photographed with 100 people.

"This is gotcha stuff with just one photograph."

Jenrick said: "There is a world of difference from a visit and somebody or other posing with them for a photograph and the Chancellor of the Exchequer building a deep and lasting friendship with this disgusting extremist man.

"Posting photos, going around his house for lunch... That's completely ridiculous. And Rachel Reeves needs to explain herself for what she's done."

The BBC has approached the Jamia Masjid Ghousia for comment.

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