Salisbury's Mayor expelled from the Conservative Party

Thursday, 15 February 2024 00:00

Salisbury's Mayor, Councillor Atiqul Hoque, has been thrown out of the conservative party following "offensive and inappropriate comments on WhatsApp and social media".

Cllr Hoque became Salisbury's 762nd and the first British Bangladeshi Muslim Mayor. He spent much of his time as mayor promoting equality and minority groups in the city.

He first became a councillor in the St Edmund's ward of the city in 2015.

A local spokesman for the party was "committed to upholding the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect".

After receiving the complaint, the party had "initiated a thorough investigation, in accordance with our robust complaints process".

Salisbury Mayor, Cllr Atiqul Hoque

"Following a careful examination of the evidence, it has been determined that councillor Hoque's comments are in clear breach of the standards expected from individuals holding public office.

"We take such matters seriously and prioritise the maintenance of high ethical standards and values within our party."

Cllr Hoque disputes the claims and says he plans to continue as an independent councillor and complete his term as Salisbury's Mayor. He told Salisbury Radio, "I'm simply stunned that the party I love has made this decision and put me in a political firing line.

"The people of Salisbury who know me will understand what sort of person I am, and I will be judged if I'm offensive or if in any way they found me inappropriate over the years.

"We are all entitled to our views, but in current circumstances, I am very afraid that I have fallen victim. I will do my best to continue to serve the people of Salisbury, which is my home and the city I love, as an independent councillor.

The local conservative party association confirmed that Cllr Hoque has the right to appeal his expulsion.

Salisbury City Council has been approached for comment.

More from Local News

The Barber Academy Celebrates Ten Years

The Barber Academy is marking ten years since first opening its doors on Fisherton Street, celebrating a decade of training new and experienced barbers while operating as a fully working barbershop.
The International Salisbury Pancake Race Returns for 2026

A popular Salisbury tradition will return this year with a light-hearted contest that brings together workplaces, visitors, and residents in a celebration of shared local spirit.
Bishop of Salisbury to Commission Eight Volunteer Chaplains for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, is to commission eight volunteer chaplains to offer affirming support to LGBTQIA+ Christians and those exploring faith.
Tri-County Summit Boosts Joint Effort to Tackle Rural Crime

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has welcomed a renewed commitment to tackling rural crime following a tri‑county summit that brought together senior police leaders, MPs and representatives from rural organisations.
Local Voices Reveal Gaps and Solutions in Dementia Support

Safer and Supportive Salisbury (SaSS), the local community charity dedicated to building a safer and more supportive city, has published its Dementia Research Report 2025, an in-depth study into the experiences of people living with dementia, their carers, and dementia support providers across the Salisbury area.
Rock and Roll Man Interviews: Part 3 - Julian Bird & Gary Turner

Rock and Roll Man opens its UK tour at Salisbury Playhouse in February, and Salisbury Radio was invited to talk to some of the team behind the show.
The Spitfire Café Brings Family Fun to Cross Keys This February Half Term

Families looking for something fun and weather-proof to do this February half term are invited to Cross Keys Shopping Centre, Salisbury, where The Spitfire Café will be hosting a special Kids’ Club throughout the school holidays.
Local RNLI branch seeks more volunteers

The Salisbury and Wilton Fundraising branch of the RNLI is calling on local people to give a little time to suppor their fundraising efforts.