A former Labour Mayor of Luton and candidate for Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been suspended by the party over alleged antisemitism.
Tahir Khan, a former councillor and management consultant, is understood to be barred from holding office or represent the party while the investigation is ongoing.
He has been approached for comment.
In a statement to Bedford Today, Mr Khan – who until May last year sat on the board of the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service – refuted the allegations made against him and said he had “submitted a comprehensive appeal against the temporary sanctions imposed on my membership of the Labour Party.”
He added: “I have fought racism in all its forms all my life. I am not a racist and certainly not antisemitic.
“Until such time as my case is concluded I have no further comment.”
In a statement, Labour said it “takes all complaints of antisemitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”
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