TWO WhatsApp messages and a Facebook post that formed the basis of a complaint which led to the mayor of Salisbury being expelled from his political party have been leaked to the Journal. 

Councillor Atiqul Hoque has been expelled for sending "offensive and inappropriate comments on WhatsApp and social media", according to a statement released by the Conservative Party on Wednesday night.

Live updates: Everything we know as Atiqul Hoque expelled for alleged antisemitism

Read more: Salisbury mayor suspended from Tory party for alleged anti-Semitic messages

Salisbury Journal:

Salisbury Journal: WhatsApp messages sent by Atiqul Hoque

Salisbury Journal: A Facebook post made by Atiqul Hoque

An anonymous whistle blower raised several concerns about the messages. 

Firstly, that Cllr Hoque was claiming that Israel is using the October 7 incident to expand its territory within Gaza. 

Secondly, that Cllr Hoque was accusing supporters of Israel as being under the influence of ‘paymasters’, “employing an old anti-Semitic trope of Jewish influence over the Western world”.

Thirdly, that Mr Hoque suggests that the Jews ‘killed’ Jesus Christ.

Our whistle blower says this notion that the Jews as a people are collectively responsible for the killing of Jesus is deeply offensive to Jewish people, saying it directly promotes distrust and hatred towards Jews based on religious beliefs and is anti-Semitic.

The Journal also understands there are other messages that form part of the complaint. 

Cllr Hoque denies these sentiments and denies any wrongdoing, and will appeal his expulsion from the Tory Party. 

He also told the Journal he will continue his work as Mayor as an Independent.

Cllr Hoque has been contacted for a further response to these messages but did not respond.