Bury Independents remove Bury West candidate for May elections after Islamophobia comments

Bury Independents have removed it's Bury West candidate for the upcoming local council elections.

The party confirmed to Roch Valley Radio that Alan Bayfield will no longer be a candidate following alleged Islamophobia comments made on social media. 

His page on the Bury Independents website had been removed following an emergency meeting by the party on Tuesday evening. 

A spokesperson said: "Bury Independents have tonight held an emergency committee meeting and Mr Bayfield is no longer standing as a candidate for Bury Independents Party in the 2024 local elections, in Bury."

A party source said that three of the nine candidates are now looking to leave the group ahead of the May elections.

Speaking to a local resident from Bury West this morning, they said, "It is a shame that this is happening; those standing should be wholly focused on supporting and promoting our diverse community".

Roch Valley Radio asked Bury Independents for further clarification following their statement about the party, ensuring that voters are aware that it is clear that Mr Bayfield will be an "Independent" rather than a "Bury Independents" candidate.

A spokesperson provided an update statement this morning [Wednesday 10/04], it reads: 

"Bury Independents Party has withdrawn its endorsement of the candidate Mr Alan Bayfield and he will no longer stand as a Bury Independents
Party candidate in the local election 2024.

"This decision was taken by Bury Independents Party committee due to historical personal comments made by Mr Bayfield on social media.

"All candidates and party members were informed by the party leader of this decision on the evening of the 9th April, and the party leader has been reassured of the support for the party."