The mayor of Bath, who reposted claims on social media that Monday’s arson attack against Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green was an “Israeli false flag” operation, has been suspended from his role.
Dr Bharat Pankhania said he is “heartbroken” after being suspended by his party, the Liberal Democrats, stating that he had “made a mistake” and “was not even thinking” when he reposted the messages on X.
He said on Tuesday he was “incredibly apologetic” after having “been made aware” that he shared the posts, which included the allegation that the arson attack was a “false flag” and two others which suggested the incident was insurance fraud.
The Liberal Democrats announced Pankhania’s suspension, saying: “We reject antisemitism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community following the appalling arson attack earlier this week.”
Pankhania said in a statement: “I am, of course, very upset with myself, there is no way, no chance I have any anti-sentiment to any religious or ethnic groups. I have always wanted one harmonious society.
"I am learning very fast the consequences of my actions, I am heartbroken and you no doubt know I don't harbour any extremist or even mildly so views.”
He added that his intention had been to highlight the existence of such claims, rather than to endorse them.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and then released on bail following the attack, which police are treating as an “antisemitic hate crime”.
Pankhania was first elected to Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2019 as a Liberal Democrat, and in 2023 he was re-elected and became deputy mayor of Bath. In June 2025, he was elected mayor for the customary one-year term.
In his inaugural speech he announced his theme for the year, “Education is Empowerment”.
He said education “is not just about acquiring knowledge – it is also about liberation, it is about making the right critical analysis, using wisdom and making sound judgements, especially in our current world order of deliberate manipulation and misinformation.”
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.