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Councillor Suspended for Alleged 'Mass Islam Genocide' Remarks

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Reform UK councillor Tom Pickup (Lancashire) has been suspended over his participation in a WhatsApp group that allegedly called for a 'mass Islam genocide', remaining a councillor but now sitting as an independent.
Pickup admitted he was part of the group but claimed his comments were taken out of context.
Labour councillor Samara Barnes called for Pickup's resignation, labeling the remarks domestic terrorism.

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Story summary

Reform UK councillor Tom Pickup (Lancashire) has been suspended over his participation in a WhatsApp group that allegedly called for a 'mass Islam genocide', remaining a councillor but now sitting as an independent.
Pickup admitted he was part of the group but claimed his comments were taken out of context.
Labour councillor Samara Barnes called for Pickup's resignation, labeling the remarks domestic terrorism.