[Cllr Dr Bharat Pankhania pictured following ‘Mayor Making’ last year.]
I have thought long and hard before deciding to voice an opinion about the suspension of the Mayor of Bath, Cllr Dr Bharat Pankhania, from his political party. In doing this, the Liberal Democrats said they rejected antisemitism in all its forms.
The suspension came following the mayor’s reposting of antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media, following the attack on ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in London.
There are calls this morning for him to resign from his post as First Citizen of the city. Would he be the first of 798 mayors to have to do that?
According to Cllr Karen Walker, who is the leader of the Independents for Bath group on the council, the Charter Trustees, the body of councillors representing wards in the city, also have the power to remove the Mayor from office.
I am aware that the Mayor’s Diary – the weekly list of engagements involving the Mayor and Deputy Mayor- has been suspended.
The Mayoralty is being kept out of public view for now.
It’s fair to say Cllr Pankhania is forthright with all his views, but maybe could have been made more aware of his neutral position while in office as Mayor. His year wearing that chain runs out in a couple of months. Should ‘Mayor Making’ be brought forward?
Cllr Pankhania – a councillor for Combe Down – has already publicly stated that he made an error in retweeting the antisemitic comments online and has apologised ‘profusely’ for his actions and deleted the posts.
I make no excuses for what he has done, but what happens next remains to be seen.
Tonight B&NES has issued a statement:
“All councillors are expected to abide by the code of conduct. The council received a complaint regarding Councillor Bharat Pankhania on the afternoon of Thursday, March 26.
Any complaints about a councillor will be investigated under the council’s standards procedure. There are no further comments at this time.”
However, this says nothing about his continuing future as the Mayor of Bath.
Im supposed to be hosting the Mayor for Bath Comedy Festival at the Paul Merton gig in the Forum tomorrow (Saturday). Haven’t heard anything. I dont know whether to dust off my tuxedo or not.
Don’t think he’ll be there Ralp but check with Mayor’s Office.
I have now been contacted . l fully understand the situation and will make no further comment
You report that Cllr Bharat Pankhania has been suspended by the LibDems following his reposting of antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media.
In these circumstances, then, surely, if the Charter Trustees have the power to remove him from office as Mayor, they must do so.
Otherwise, the Charter Trustees will be seen as endorsing his reposting of antisemitic conspiracy theories.
The Charter Trustees must, therefore, follow the lead of the LibDems and remove Cllr Pankhania from office as Mayor.
An honourable man would also offer his resignation as a councillor.
Well said Jack L; got it in a nutshell!