Deputy Chairman of Bradford Conservatives suspended

The Deputy Chairman of Bradford Conservatives has been suspended after being accused of anti-semitism, discrimination, misogyny and clan politics by Bradford MP, Naz Shah.

Abdul Zaman is accused of promoting clan politics, making anti-Jew comments and endorsing misogyny and anti-equality values in a letter sent to David Cameron by the MP.

The Chairman of Bradford Conservatives, Barry Whitaker, is conducting the investigation but has already made up his mind that Zaman is innocent and that he fully supports him. No prizes for guessing what the result of that investigation will be.

Banning EU citizens from claiming benefits would be illegal under EU law

The British government have been told by their lawyers that they can't require EU immigrants to pay into the benefits system for four years before being allowed to claim tax credits unless they also ban 18-22 year olds from claiming as well.

This latest advice echoes advice they have already been given but chose to ignore because there was an election looming. Restricting benefits for EU citizens without imposing the same restrictions on UK citizens would be illegal discrimination under EU law.

If Cameron intends to press on with plans to prevent EU immigrants from claiming benefits for four years, he will deprive around 50,000 young working UK citizens of their tax credits.

Whitby UKIP councillor forced to resign as school governor

A popular councillor in Whitby says that he has been forced to resign as a governor of Whitby Community College after joining UKIP.

Cllr Mike Ward says that he was told by headteacher Sue Whealan that his membership of UKIP is not compatible with the values of the school. The statement of values for the school, which Cllr Ward signed off as Chair of the Board of Governors, says the school's aim is that all students:

• are safe and healthy
• enjoy and achieve
• make a positive contribution
• experience success so that they are equipped to make their way in the world of work

The school, the council and the headteacher have yet to explain how Cllr Ward's membership of UKIP doesn't support the aims he himself signed off or why Cllr Ward's human right not to be discriminated against because of his political views have been violated.

This one isn't going to go away any time soon.

Picture: North Yorks Enquirer