Councillor suspended from Labour over alleged anti-Semitism

Councillor Anne Pissaridou is under investigation by the national Labour Party over posts she shared which are alleged to contain anti-Semitic content. 

As Cllr Pissaridou cannot currently attend Labour group meetings or represent the party, the Labour group no longer has the majority of council seats on Brighton and Hove City Council. 

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  The former chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee will represent her constituents as an independent councillor until the issue is resolved.

Cllr Pissaridou said: “I am deeply sorry for my actions and any distress I have caused to the Jewish community.

“This happened several years ago, before I was a councillor, and the posts I shared do not reflect my views. 

“I do not seek to excuse my mistake. I deeply regret not properly reading information before sharing such hurtful links. 

“I am aware of the complaint that has been made to the Labour Party and will fully co-operate with any investigation.” 


A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: “We have been notified that Councillor Anne Pissaridou has been suspended from the Labour Party pending investigation of posts made on social media in 2016 and 2018. 

“A complaint has been made to the national Labour Party about two posts shared by Cllr Pissaridou which are alleged to contain antisemitic content. 

“The national Labour Party will now carry out an investigation to look into the matter and until this is resolved Councillor Pissaridou has been suspended.“