A Bootle councillor has resigned from Reform UK just days after being elected.
Jay Cooper was appointed to the Bootle West ward at last week’s local elections as the party made widespread gains across the country with 1,257 seats won.
But the 29-year-old is already standing independently after it emerged he previously made comments that described the Holocaust as ‘a hoax’ in social media posts.
He also describe the massacre of six million Jews during the Second World War as ‘propaganda’ while arguing about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on Facebook.
Reform leader Nigel Farage distanced himself from Cooper’s past comments and insisted that the party ‘absolutely don’t’ welcome people sharing those views.
Cooper has now issued a statement on his Facebook page rescinding his past remarks while also confirming he has resigned from the party.
He said: “I apologise this has took so long. I want to start by addressing comments I made regarding the Holocaust last year.
“The Holocaust was real. I was not denying the existence of the camps or the systematic murder carried out by the Nazi regime. I have visited Auschwitz multiple times and have seen first hand the conditions and historical evidence of those atrocities.
“My comments were poorly expressed and have understandably caused concern and upset. I was not denying the suffering of millions of victims or the crimes committed by the Nazis.
“I accept that my words failed to reflect the seriousness and sensitivity this subject demands, and for that I sincerely apologise. I would also like to apologise to anyone who was offended or hurt by my comments.
“I take full responsibility for my remarks. As a result, I have decided today to resign from Reform UK and continue serving as an independent representative.
“The people of Bootle West voted for me to be their voice, and I remain committed to serving them honestly and tirelessly.
“I will be here to listen and be the voice of my constituents. I want to thank everyone who placed their trust in me.
“Too many people in Bootle still feel ignored, left behind, and unheard. I will continue working every day to justify the confidence shown in me, while also earning the respect of those who did not vote for me.
“I hope, in time, my actions and service to the community will speak louder than this mistake.”