Reform UK Councillor Ben Rowe Suspended for Islamophobic and Antisemitic Social Media Posts

Ben Rowe, a recently elected Reform UK councillor for Plymouth City Council, has been suspended by the party after accusations of posting Islamophobic and antisemitic material on social media.

Rowe, who won his seat with 1,649 votes, more than double that of his Labour rival, Tina Tuohy, became the subject of an internal party investigation before the election results were confirmed.

A Reform UK spokesperson confirmed Rowe's suspension, stating it was "pending investigation."

Evidence of Rowe's social media activity includes a blackface meme, images advocating to "Free the world of Islam," and pictures depicting fake shotgun shells filled with bacon. Further documented content, reported by The Times, shows Rowe commenting on a YouTube video in February, accusing "the Jews" of "creating division by forcing other races on our societies" and referring to immigrants in the UK as "breeding like rats."

In the recent Plymouth City Council elections, Reform UK secured 14 of the 19 available seats, establishing itself as the main opposition party with 16 seats overall. Labour maintained control of the council with 31 seats.