Former Corbyn-supporter who switched parties suspended by Conservatives after revelation of his “Is Zionism racism?” Facebook poll

A former supporter of Jeremy Corbyn who sought to run as a Conservative candidate in local council elections has reportedly been suspended by the Conservative Party after it emerged that he administrated a Facebook group that asked members: “Is Zionism Racism?”

According to a report, Khalid Sharif, who was confirmed as the Redbridge Conservative candidate for the Clayhall ward in next year’s local elections, has been suspended by the Party.

The poll was featured on Mr Sharif’s IG–Soc: Connecting Muslims in Redbridge Insha’Allah Facebook group. Comments by other members underneath the July poll reportedly included the claim that “just asking the question will be considered antisemitic. The Zionists have great powers hence they’ve made sure no one can say anything against them.”

Mr Sharif, a former member of the pro-Corbyn group, Momentum, apparently joined the Conservatives last year after Mr Corbyn’s election defeat, having described the former Labour leader as a “breath of fresh air” and lamenting that “that era has gone.”

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party reportedly confirmed that Mr Sharif has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.

Campaign Against Antisemitism advocates for zero tolerance of antisemitism in public life. To that end we monitor all political parties and strive to ensure that any cases of concern are properly addressed.