A leading figure in the by-election campaign of Reform UK has been suspended by the party due to allegations of using racist and misogynistic language on social media.

The interim campaign manager, Adam Mitula, who was involved in Matt Goodwin’s campaign in Gorton and Denton, was suspended by the party after allegedly making offensive comments targeting black individuals and Jewish women on social media.

Mitula reportedly made controversial posts on a social media platform where he expressed discriminatory views towards Jewish women, questioned the accuracy of the Holocaust death toll, and made derogatory remarks about transgender individuals.

Following the initial reports of Mitula’s comments, Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell urged Goodwin to distance himself from Mitula, emphasizing the need to reject such hateful views and ensure they have no association with the campaign.

Mitula has acknowledged his suspension by the party pending an investigation but defended his comments, stating they were misconstrued and were meant to support the Jewish community. He criticized the source of the original article for spreading misinformation and indicated legal action against those tarnishing his reputation.

Goodwin, supported by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, is competing against Labour’s Angeliki Stogia and the Greens in the upcoming vote. Reform UK stated that the disciplinary process regarding Mitula is confidential and they do not provide ongoing updates on potential cases under review.