REFORM UK’s deputy leader has been called out for a “shocking” tweet he made about Humza Yousaf.
Following the resignation of Scotland’s First Minister, the party’s deputy took to social media to react to the news.
Former MEP Habib previously stood in the Wellingborough by-election in February, where he lost out to Labour’s Gen Kitchen.
READ MORE: YouGov predicts Holyrood and Westminster results as Humza Yousaf quits
Writing on Twitter/X, following the news of Yousaf’s resignation, Habib said: “Delighted to see @SadiqKhan has resigned,” in response to a story reporting on the news.
In the comments section, one user asked “don’t you mean Humza Yousaf Ben” to which he replied “same difference” with a winking face emoji.
A number of people have criticised Habib for his comments, including author Otto English who said: “This shocking exchange should be the end of Ben Habib’s political career. If Richard Tice were a real leader he’d take action.”
Another asked “why is he playing these types of games” while a third user accused him of being “openly racist” on social media.
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Meanwhile, one user said “let’s assume Ben Habib wasn’t drunk on Twitter against Reform Party guidance to reduce the visible racism of their candidates” in reference to comments made by Tice at the start of April.
He had warned candidates not to use social media after drinking alcohol, to avoid posting “inappropriate” comments.
The party has already been forced to ditch seven candidates for the upcoming election following complaints about their social media posts.
“We’re very clear to all our candidates, for heaven’s sake if you’re going to have a glass on a Friday night then don’t use social media,” Tice (below) said.
“It’s not sensible, if someone lets us down hereafter, then frankly if it is inappropriate, if it is unacceptable, then we’re going to part company.
‘So you can have your freedom of expression, that doesn’t mean you have the right to represent Reform UK as a parliamentary candidate, because that’s our choice.”
Reform has already faced issues with a number of candidates, with the party previously sacking a candidate who claimed Scotland is like a “turd that won’t flush”.
Reform have stuck by their candidate accusing critics of "pearl clutching nonsense" and claiming they are playing "the racism card".
A party spokesperson said: "Ben Habib, born in Pakistan to a Pakistani father and English mother, is not really going to be racist now is he?
"He will however point out that Mr Khan and Mr Yousaf are similar failures in their roles, both have ruled over failing public services, have been divisive, using identity politics as a core part of their political armoury.
"As far as prejudice goes, they have both questioned the role of white people in office and key roles of various descriptions. Yousaf made a speech attacking white people.
"Khan’s office put out a photo of a white family claiming they don’t represent London.
"Both have presided over soaring crime rates in their respective zones of influence. Same difference? He has a very good point."
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