A former Labour Mayor of Luton and candidate for Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been suspended by the party over alleged antisemitism.

Tahir Khan, a former councillor and management consultant, is understood to be barred from holding office or represent the party while the investigation is ongoing. 

He has been approached for comment.  

In a statement to Bedford Today, Mr Khan – who until May last year sat on the board of the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service – refuted the allegations made against him and said he had “submitted a comprehensive appeal against the temporary sanctions imposed on my membership of the Labour Party.” 

He added: “I have fought racism in all its forms all my life. I am not a racist and certainly not antisemitic. 

“Until such time as my case is concluded I have no further comment.” 

In a statement, Labour said it “takes all complaints of antisemitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”