Labour has called for the Conservative Party to suspend Nathan Smith, the candidate for West Harrow in the upcoming Harrow Council elections, after a series of social media posts linked to him expressed support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson and advocated for “mass deportations.” The posts, which emerged on an X account associated with Smith, have been described by the Labour opposition as “deeply concerning.”
Social Media Posts Prompt Suspension
Smith was set to stand in the May 7 local elections, but the Conservative Party has now suspended him pending an investigation. The posts from the account include comments made over several months. In one, the account replied to a video of an alleged incident at St Pancras train station, where Tommy Robinson was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, with: “Good on Tommy. No doubt the w*n*er deserved it.” Another post, regarding Afghan refugees, stated: “I don’t think the Afghan government should get a penny more until they accept the mass deportation of their people back home.”
Further Controversial Comments
The account also questioned a man raising an Indian flag alongside a British flag, commenting “you’re in England mate.” This is the second such case in Harrow, following the suspension of another Conservative candidate for North Harrow over similar social media posts targeting non-white MPs.
Labour Demands Action
Labour Party Chair Anna Turley wrote to Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch, questioning why Smith had not been suspended earlier. The letter noted: “I understand from media reports that Mr Jackson has now been suspended by the Conservative Party. Yet, in a neighbouring ward, Conservative candidate Nathan Smith has reportedly also made deeply concerning statements, including calls for mass deportations, opposing the flying of the Indian flag and expressing support for Tommy Robinson, including in contexts associated with violence.”
Conservative Response
A Conservative Party spokesman confirmed: “Nathan Smith has been suspended from the Conservative Party pending investigation. This process is rightly confidential. Support for his campaign has also been suspended.” Harrow Labour Group Leader Cllr David Perry said: “This is the second time in two weeks that Harrow Conservatives have been accused of supporting and endorsing a candidate for our upcoming May local elections. Residents here in Harrow are proud of the multiculturalism and diversity of our borough. Harrow Conservatives supporting candidates with such beliefs flies in the face of all that.”
