Mayor 'heartbroken' after suspension over X posts

A city mayor said he is "heartbroken" after being suspended by his political party for reposting antisemitic conspiracies on social media.

Dr Bharat Pankhania, a councillor and the mayor of Bath, shared posts that incorrectly claimed an arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, north London, on Monday, was insurance fraud and an "Israeli false flag operation".

The councillor for Combe Down deleted the posts and apologised "profusely" for his actions on Wednesday.

The Liberal Democrats announced Pankhania's suspension earlier and said: "We reject antisemitism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community following the appalling arson attack earlier this week."

Pankhania said he had "made a mistake" and "was not even thinking" when he reposted the messages on X.

He added that his intention had been to share what had been said, rather than to suggest he agreed with it.

"I am of course very upset with myself, there is no way, no chance I have any anti-sentiments to any religious or ethnic groups.

"I have always wanted one harmonious society.

"I am learning very fast the consequences of my actions, I am heartbroken and you no doubt know I don't harbour any extremist or even mildly so views," he said in a statement.

The Metropolitan Police said earlier that two men who had been arrested in connection with the arson attack on the four Jewish charity-owned ambulances had been released on bail.

Hatzola - the Hebrew word for save or rescue - is a large non-profit, Jewish-led organisation that provides a free emergency medical response and transportation to hospitals by volunteer medics.

As well as north London, it also operates in Manchester, Gateshead, Canvey Island in Essex, and Hertfordshire, working in conjunction with local emergency services for the wider community, regardless of faith.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.