Romford Green Party Candidate Withdraws Amid Antisemitism Allegations.

A Green Party candidate in Romford has withdrawn from the upcoming local elections following reports of alleged antisemitic comments, prompting reaction from political opponents and the party itself.

Tope Olawoyin had been standing as a Green Party candidate for Marshalls and Rise Park Ward but has now stepped down. The withdrawal follows reports in national media alleging antisemitic comments linked to the candidate, which have raised concern locally and nationally.

Bailey Nash-Gardner, one of Reform UK’s candidates for Marshalls and Rise Park Ward, issued a statement in response to the development.

“I note that Tope Olawoyin has withdrawn as one of the Green Party candidates for Marshalls and Rise Park.

“This decision was evidently the correct one given the seriousness of the allegations that had come to light. Reports of alleged antisemitic comments are deeply disturbing and raised serious questions which could not be ignored.

“But this situation should never have arisen in the first place. It raises serious questions whether there is a deeper issue with antisemitism that the Green Party is failing to properly address.

“Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our community or in public life. The Jewish community in Havering and across Marshalls and Rise Park Ward must always feel respected and safe.

“My focus remains on standing up for all residents, upholding the highest standards and ensuring our communities continue to be places we can all be proud of.”

The Green Party also issued a statement following the withdrawal.

“Tope Olawoyin has withdrawn as a candidate in the upcoming elections and the local Green Party’s vetting and selection panel will select a new candidate shortly. The Green Party will continue to investigate the claims made by The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail, which must be done at all levels of the party, and as Chair I have already been in contact with our field team, regional team, national team and Jewish Greens since the story was published on Saturday afternoon.

While we take allegations of this nature extremely seriously, some claims in the article have so far been unverifiable and one is clearly untrue. This does not mean that claims are entirely false, but it does necessitate further investigation and not to force decisions that imply guilt before due process is carried out. Of course we must also condemn the attack on the ambulances in Golders Green, and I would urge everyone to demonstrate compassion in situations like this, against minority communities.

Jewish Greens representatives are discussing the claims with us, and I will be asking for private discussions with local Jewish community leaders should they wish to discuss this or relations between the Green Party and the Jewish community more generally.”

The situation remains under review as the Green Party continues its internal processes and prepares to select a replacement candidate.

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