Reform councillor who said Holocaust was a ‘hoax’ quits party days after being elected
A Reform councilor who claimed the Holocaust was a “hoax” has apologized for his comments and left the party just days after being elected.
Jay Cooper was elected to represent the Bootle West ward on Merseyside’s Sefton Council in last week’s local elections, receiving 705 votes in favor of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Last year the councilman made comments that were originally reported at the time. Liverpool Echoabout the Holocaust on social media after sharing an article about the shooting death of US commentator Charlie Kirk. He wrote: “Heartbreaking. Killed for having an idea.”
In response to a comment asking: “[Adolf] Hitler’s one [opinion] more; Did he deserve to die? Cllr Cooper said he did not accept the killing of innocent people, but described the Holocaust as a “hoax” and described it as “propaganda”. Echo reported.
During a visit to Merseyside following his party’s staggering gains in last week’s election, Mr Farage said on Friday that Major Cooper was “not welcome” within Reform.
Cllr Cooper deleted the posts from his public Facebook page and issued an apology for his comments on Tuesday, saying he had resigned from the party but would continue to represent his ward as an independent councillor.
He wrote on his public Facebook page: “I’m sorry this has taken so long.
“I would like to start by addressing comments I made about the Holocaust last year.
“The Holocaust was real. I was not denying the existence of the camps or the systematic murder carried out by the Nazi regime.
“I have visited Auschwitz many times and have seen first-hand the conditions and historical evidence of this atrocity.
“My comments were poorly expressed and understandably caused concern and distress. I was not denying the suffering of the millions of victims or the crimes committed by the Nazis.
“I acknowledge that my words did not reflect the seriousness and sensitivity that this matter requires, for which I sincerely apologize. I also apologize to anyone who was offended or offended by my comments.”
“I take full responsibility for my words. As a result, I have decided today to resign from Reform UK and continue my role as an independent representative.
“The people of Bootle West voted for me to be their voice and I am determined to serve them honestly and tirelessly. I will be here to listen and be the voice of my constituents. I want to thank everyone who has put their trust in me. “Many people in Bootle still feel ignored, left behind and unheard.
“I will continue to work every day to justify the trust placed in me and earn the respect of those who did not vote for me.
“I hope that over time my actions and service to society will speak louder than this mistake.”
Independent It approached Reform UK and Cllr Cooper for comment.
The BBC reported that Reform confirmed Major Cooper had resigned and said his party membership had been revoked.
