closeicon
News

Ukip's Charedi in Manchester mayor bid

articlemain

Ukip's most recognisable Jewish figure will attempt to secure the party's candidacy for next year's Manchester mayoral election.

Shneur Odze said he had "a vision" for the city and would focus on issues that "affect people's everyday lives".

The 35-year-old Lubavitcher, who stood as a Ukip candidate in the European elections in 2014, hoped the party could attract Jewish voters in the city.

He said: "It was very reassuring to see in the Jewish areas there was a disproportionate vote for Brexit." Support of the Leave campaign had been particularly strong in the strictly Orthodox neighbourhood of Broughton Park, he claimed.

Ukip stood for "aspiration and individual liberties - all these things that Jews have a lot of commonality with," he said.

Ukip is currently selecting a new leader, but Mr Odze is remaining neutral on the issue. "I'm involved with Friends of Israel in Ukip and therefore I didn't think it would be fair if it was perceived that the group was backing a particular candidate over another," he said.

Britain's highest profile strictly Orthodox politician said he had policies to suit people across Manchester. They include setting up weekly bin collections, assistance for parents trying to get their child into schools, and health care reforms.

A hustings event is expected to take place on September 11, with no date yet set to select Ukip's candidate.

Share via

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive