The Liberal Democrat party has suspended a former MP who posted a series of antisemitic tweets.
Matthew Gordon Banks, who served as a Conservative MP for Southport before joining the Lib Dems after he lost his seat, wrote on Twitter: “What fascinates me is that Farron's leadership campaign was organised and funded by London Jews.”
Shortly afterwards, he tweeted: “I tried to work with them. Very difficult.”
When challenged over his “disgusting” remarks by another Twitter user, Mr Banks replied: “I don't care. It is not good for Farron to be funded and supported by one religious group.”
Marie van der Zyl, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the national representative body of the UK Jewish community, said: "The comments by Matthew Gordon Banks on Twitter are of very deep concern. He talks about Jews and money and hints at the age-old canard of the 'Jewish conspiracy'.
“He must urgently clarify and apologise for his comments, otherwise we would expect the Liberal Democrat Party to invoke disciplinary procedures."
The Lib Dems confirmed Mr Banks had been suspended on Sunday lunchtime, as soon as the party was made aware of the complaints against him.
Mr Banks is now a director at the International Institute for Strategic Affairs.
This story has been amended
