Reform UK’s leader at Dudley Council has backed a councillor who apologised over social media posts described as “racist and homophobic”, saying he has not been given “a single reason” to doubt his integrity.
Cllr Marco Longhi has defended Cllr Caley Ashman following his public apology over comments posted online before he was elected to Dudley Council.
Cllr Ashman, who represents Cradley North and Wollescote, had faced severe criticism over a series of historic social media posts, including his use of the term “goyslop”, which is widely regarded as anti-Semitic.
Other comments were described as “racist and homophobic” by Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger, who previously wrote to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for action to be taken.
Mr Ballinger and other political representatives subsequently wrote to Cllr Longhi calling on him to take action.
Responding following Cllr Ashman’s apology, Cllr Longhi said: “Since his election Caley Ashman has been a model councillor.
“He has not given me a single reason to doubt his commitment to his residents nor his integrity.
“He has now apologised for words he used online before he was elected, words that were inappropriate.”
Cllr Longhi went on to accuse Mr Ballinger and the other political representatives of hypocrisy.
He said: “So while reading Mr Ballinger’s letter, jointly signed by other political representatives, I was struck by the hypocrisy of somebody who is happy to share a seat in parliament with antisemitic MPs, while representing a Party, the only Party, to have something in common with the BNP: breaking Equality Law for having systemic antisemitism within its ranks.
“It also reminded me of Kemi Badenoch’s recent appointment of a person who has been to prison for inciting antisemitism, and for burglary and assault; he was also very recently appoint to stand for Council.
“I could also refer to the LibDems in a similar way.
“My point? People in glass houses should be careful when throwing stones.”
Cllr Ashman issued his apology during a full council meeting on November 2, while councillors were debating a new pledge setting standards of behaviour for elected members.
He said: “I acknowledge that some of the language I used was inappropriate and fell below the standards that people rightly expect from an elected representative.
“In particular, my use of the term ‘goyslop’ was in the context of internet slang referring to what I considered to be poor-quality television and film content.
“It was not intended as a derogatory reference to Jewish people or as an expression of anti-Semitism.
“With regard to the other comments and language highlighted, I accept that some were in very poor taste, inappropriate and should not have been posted or shared.
“I regret my choice of words and apologise unreservedly for any offence or hurt caused.”
Cllr Ashman added that he was not seeking to excuse his “poor judgement” and said he was grateful for the “faith and trust” placed in him by voters.
However, Mr Ballinger said the apology had come “too little, too late”.
The Halesowen MP said: “Whilst it is right that Cllr Ashman takes accountability for his remarks, it is too little, too late. It has been over six months since Cllr Ashman’s comments were first reported in the media.
“Reform UK will no doubt consider this matter closed, but the facts are clear. Cllr Ashman is unfit for public office and must go.”
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