Reform councillor resigns over Holocaust ‘hoax’ social media post

WorldPolitics
14 May 2026 • 12:21 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Reform councillor resigns over Holocaust ‘hoax’ social media post

  • Jay Cooper, a Reform councillor elected in Merseyside, apologised and resigned from the party after claiming the Holocaust was a 'hoax'.
  • Cooper, who secured the Bootle West ward seat in last week's local elections, made the controversial comments on social media last year.
  • Following the emergence of the remarks, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stated that Cooper was 'not welcome' within the party.
  • Cooper deleted the posts and issued an apology, acknowledging his comments were 'poorly expressed' and caused upset.
  • He will continue to serve his constituents as an independent councillor, having resigned from Reform UK, which also revoked his membership.

IN FULL