Ukip election candidate sparks outrage after racist tweets about Muslims uncovered
UKIP has launched an internal investigation after one of their General Election candidates reportedly posted racist “jokes” on Twitter.
Tony Pycroft is running for the seat in Selby, North Yorkshire
Messages on a Twitter account bearing the name of Tony Pycroft, who is standing for the seat in Selby, North Yorkshire, has revealed a string of offensive tweets about Muslims.
The tweets, which were posted before he was confirmed as a Ukip candidate, has prompted fears the party are failing to vet their prospective MPs.
In one vile tweet, a photo compares patio umbrellas to the traditional Muslim niqab dress with the caption: “I spent half an hour trying to talk to them, to learn about their culture.”
The tweet was posted in February, before he was selected as a Ukip candidate
Another tweet shares a picture which begins with the disgusting caption: “When your son’s name is Allah Akbar.”
While in another post, a photo of a controversial character being tattooed on someone's arm was shared with the caption: “I asked for a tattoo for the bloke from The Jam. This doesn’t look like Paul Weller to me.”
Tory candidate Nigel Adams, who is running against Mr Pycroft for Selby, said he was shocked by the content of the tweets.
This tweet was posted last year
I am surprised Ukip are endorsing Mr Pycroft as a prospective candidate given the nature of some of his posts
He told The Sun: “I am surprised Ukip are endorsing Mr Pycroft as a prospective candidate given the nature of some of his posts.
“I am sure the voters of Selby will decide whether someone who publishes material like this on social media deserves their vote.”
A Ukip spokesman said its party were conducting an investigation.
Tory candidate Nigel Adams said he was shocked about Mr Pycroft's tweets
Express.co.uk has contacted Mr Pycroft for comment.
The news comes as former Ukip leader Nigel Farage admitted it had “not necessarily been the easiest couple of weeks” for the party after it lost all but one of its seats in the local election.
But he urged voters who support a hard Brexit to stick with the party despite promises from Theresa May.