The Labour Party has suspended a councillor who made violent calls to stab fascists at an anti-racist rally in East London on Wednesday.
Councillor Ricky Jones told a large crowd at an anti-fascist, anti-racist rally in Walthamstow that the “disgusting nasty fascists” should be attacked.
“We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them”, Jones said into a microphone to a cheering crowd, before leading a “free Palestine” chant.
Several members of the 10,000-strong Walthamstow rally carried Social Worker posters that said: “smash fascism and racism by any means necessary.” One woman behind Jones wore an Amnesty International top.
"Mostly peaceful" in Walthamstow last night. 🥴 pic.twitter.com/BPKQdjPaw7
— CHARLIE SANSOM (@CharlieSansom) August 8, 2024
After a video of his comments was shared on social media, the Labour Party announced that the councillor had been administratively suspended.
A Labour spokesperson said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated. The councillor has been suspended from the party.”
Jones also worked at The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) as a BAME organiser. He told PoliticsJoe on Wednesday that union members had found National Front stickers with razor blades behind them on trains. He said it was “absolutely disgraceful”.
A TSSA spokesperson said in response to Jones’s latest remarks: “TSSA remains steadfast in supporting communities that peacefully stand against fascist aggression. We unequivocally do not condone any threats or acts of violence, as these actions are contrary to our values.”
Jones has served as a Labour councillor for Princes ward in Dartford since 2019 and will now sit as an independent. His Labour profile says he has been a “strong voice” in tackling fly-tipping and unfair car parking charges,
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