The leader of Haringey Council has demanded that a local councillor resign her seat after she was expelled from the Labour Party amid accusations of antisemitism and racism.
Cllr Joy Wallace was expelled from the Labour Party this week after the JC unearthed tweets that included one that claimed a rabbi was "paid and rewarded handsomely" for criticising Jeremy Corbyn during his leadership.
Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, said in a statement that she is "pleased" that a Labour Party investigation had resulted in Cllr Wallace's expulsion from the party, and labelled her "unfit for public office".
Joy Wallace was alleged to have said that a rabbi was "paid and rewarded handsomely" for criticising Jeremy Corbyn (Image: Twitter)
Joy Wallace was elected in May to represent the Fortis Green ward of Haringey Council, and shortly afterwards, the JC and researchers at watchdog Labour Against Antisemitism uncovered offensive tweets sent by Ms Wallace, resulting in her suspension from the Labour Party in June.
One tweet said that a rabbi had been "paid and rewarded handsomely" for criticising former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on BBC Radio 4, and another called Rachel Riley, a presenter on Channel 4's Countdown, who is Jewish, a "witch" for opposing the former Labour leader.
Another tweet suggested that former home secretary Priti Patel's "skin might be vitiligo or a strong sunbed".
The Twitter account has since been deleted.
Joy Wallace referring to Rachel Riley as a 'witch' (Twitter)
Cllr Wallace's expulsion from the Labour Party means that she now sits as an independent, but the council leader says that "racism and antisemitism have no place in Haringey", and has called on her to resign.
In a statement, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council said: “I am pleased that the Labour Party’s official investigation has resulted in the expulsion of Cllr Wallace from the Labour Party. Racism and antisemitism have no place in Haringey or the Labour Party, and I want to reassure our residents and the Jewish community that any instances will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
“Cllr Wallace’s conduct shows that she is not only unfit for public office, but does not uphold the Labour values of equality, fairness, respect, and anti-racism, for which she was elected. I hope that Cllr Wallace will understand the seriousness of her actions and immediately resign her seat on the Council.”
The JC attempted to reach Cllr Wallace, but has not yet received a response.
Cllr Wallace's expulsion from the Labour Party follows the exclusion of Jewish Voice for Labour's Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi last week amid allegations that she supported proscribed organisations.
