A Conservative councillor and former town mayor, Mohammed Nazam, has tendered his resignation following a wave of public backlash triggered by his participation in a Pride flag-raising ceremony. The event took place in Keighley, West Yorkshire, on Friday, June 16. Nazam, who initially expressed that his involvement conflicted with his Muslim faith, later issued a heartfelt apology in a private Facebook post. In the post, he acknowledged the disappointment and hurt his actions may have caused, expressing genuine remorse for any distress or confusion he had contributed to.
As the town mayor, Nazam had been responsible for raising the Pride flag annually since Keighley’s inaugural Pride event in 2019. However, having been elected to the position merely a month ago, he now regrets not declining the request to participate in the ceremony. Consequently, on Monday, June 19, he announced his immediate resignation as town mayor and severed ties with the Conservative Party. Henceforth, Nazam will serve as an independent member on both the Keighley Town Council and Bradford Council.
The councillor’s decision to step down comes amidst criticism from various LGBT and community groups. Keighley Pride chair, David Shaw, expressed his belief that Nazam’s resignation was inevitable, highlighting the detrimental message conveyed by his apology: a lack of acceptance and an unwelcome atmosphere. Shaw further emphasized that while Nazam should have declined the invitation if he felt uncomfortable, he should not have accepted the position of town mayor in the first place. These sentiments were echoed by Laz Bewick, an organizer from the neighboring community group Queer Saltaire, who deemed Nazam’s resignation as the only viable solution to the controversy. Bewick emphasized the importance of inclusive representation for Keighley’s large LGBT+ community, regardless of their religious background.
Jenn Wilson and Sid Akbar of Dhamaka Arts, a theater company based in Bradford, expressed disappointment in the political leader’s regret for advocating acceptance, community, and mutual respect. They observed that such intolerance not only harms LGBTQ+ communities but also creates a backlash affecting local faith communities. Prior to his resignation, Nazam faced suspension from the Conservative Group on Bradford Council, pending an investigation. Robbie Moore, the Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, also urged him to consider his position and issue an apology.
Nazam, in his resignation statement, reflected on the humbling experience of the past few days. He clarified that his apology did not aim to harm any member of his constituency, emphasizing that his religion teaches respect, tolerance, and adherence to the law of the land. Bradford Council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, asserted that councillors are elected to serve all members of their communities, emphasizing the council’s commitment to inclusion and the district’s diversity as a notable strength. Cllr Rebecca Poulsen, leader of the Conservative Group on Bradford Council, reiterated the group’s unequivocal support for the Pride flag, expressing pride in a country where individuals are free to be themselves and love whomever they choose.
In the wake of this controversy, the resignation of Conservative councillor Mohammed Nazam has highlighted the complex intersection of personal faith, public service, and the imperative for inclusive representation within communities.