Key Points
- Labour Party has administratively suspended Arshad Khatana, chairman of Jamia Masjid Ghousia mosque in Armley, Leeds, pending investigation into allegations of his “abhorrent and shocking views”.
- Allegations include sharing conspiracy theories about 9/11 and making antisemitic comments, as claimed by Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick.
- Suspension follows Jenrick’s post on X criticising Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ long-standing ties to Khatana, including calling him a “friend” and visiting his home for lunch.
- Labour spokesperson stated: “These abhorrent views are clearly not shared by the Chancellor. She was not aware of these allegations.”
- Jenrick demanded Reeves “account for her actions” at a press conference with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
- Khatana is also vice chair of Leeds Council of Mosques and a Labour member in Reeves’ Leeds West constituency.
- Reform UK accused Khatana of hosting preachers with “vile” views at the mosque, including Muhammad Adil Shahzad in September 2025, who allegedly said Google is “run by the Jews”.
- Labour branded Nigel Farage a “hypocrite” after revelations he met Khatana, calling it an “own goal”.
- The Jamia Masjid Ghousia mosque has not yet responded to BBC inquiries.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 2, 2026 – Labour has suspended Arshad Khatana, chairman of the Jamia Masjid Ghousia mosque in Armley, from the party over allegations of his “abhorrent and shocking views”, including 9/11 conspiracy theories and antisemitic remarks, following criticism from Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick about Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ association with him.
- Key Points
- Who is Arshad Khatana?
- What Views Led to the Suspension?
- Why Did Robert Jenrick Raise This Issue?
- What is Labour’s Response?
- How Does Rachel Reeves Connect to Khatana?
- What is Reform UK’s Stance?
- Has the Mosque Responded?
- What Broader Context Surrounds This?
- Who is Jamia Masjid Ghousia?
- What Happens Next in the Investigation?
- Why Does This Matter Politically?
Who is Arshad Khatana?
Arshad Khatana serves as chairman of the Jamia Masjid Ghousia in Armley, Leeds, a community hub providing worship, Islamic education, marriage and funeral services since around 1990.
He is also vice chair of the Leeds Council of Mosques and was a member of the Labour Party in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Leeds West constituency until his suspension.
Khatana has been described by Reform UK as holding extreme positions, with claims he referred to those speaking against Islam as an “evil gang” he would help “destroy”.
What Views Led to the Suspension?
The allegations against Mr Khatana centre on “abhorrent and shocking views”, as stated by Robert Jenrick MP for Newark.
As reported by Helen Corbett of Hits Radio (PA), Mr Jenrick claimed Mr Khatana had shared conspiracy theories about 9/11 and made antisemitic comments.
Reform UK further alleged that in September 2025, Mr Khatana hosted preacher Muhammad Adil Shahzad at his mosque, who reportedly said
Why Did Robert Jenrick Raise This Issue?
Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick posted on X highlighting Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ ties to Mr Khatana, questioning why she had been “friends” with him for over a decade and visited his house for lunch as Chancellor.
Jenrick stated:
“Arshad Khatana has the most abhorrent and shocking views. So why has Rachel Reeves been ‘friends’ with this fanatic for over a decade? Why, as Chancellor, is she going round his house for lunch?”
At a press conference with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Jenrick insisted Reeves must “account for her actions”.
What is Labour’s Response?
Arshad Khatana has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party pending an investigation, the Press Association understands.
A Labour Party spokesperson said:
“These abhorrent views are clearly not shared by the Chancellor. She was not aware of these allegations.”
Labour has also responded to Reform UK’s involvement by branding Nigel Farage a “hypocrite” after it emerged he had met Mr Khatana, suggesting Reform scored an “own goal”.
How Does Rachel Reeves Connect to Khatana?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves referred to Mr Khatana as a “friend” and visited his home for lunch during her time as Chancellor, according to Mr Jenrick.
Jenrick emphasised a “significant difference between merely visiting someone or posing for a picture and the Chancellor of the Exchequer forming a deep and enduring friendship with this reprehensible extremist”.
Labour insists Ms Reeves was unaware of the allegations and does not share the views.
What is Reform UK’s Stance?
Reform UK, through Robert Jenrick, has used the issue to criticise Labour’s associations, demanding accountability from Rachel Reeves.
However, revelations that Nigel Farage met Mr Khatana have led Labour to accuse Reform of hypocrisy.
Jenrick dismissed comparisons, calling claims of equivalence “entirely absurd”.
Has the Mosque Responded?
The BBC has reached out to the Jamia Masjid Ghousia for comment but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
The mosque continues its role in the Armley community, facilitating daily prayers and social services.
No direct statement from Mr Khatana or the mosque leadership has been reported across sources.
What Broader Context Surrounds This?
This suspension comes amid ongoing political scrutiny of party members’ associations, particularly regarding extremism allegations.
Reform UK has positioned the story as evidence of Labour’s “Islamist problem”, with The Telegraph warning it “will only get worse”.
Labour’s swift administrative suspension reflects its process for handling such complaints pending full investigation.
Who is Jamia Masjid Ghousia?
Located in Armley, Leeds, Jamia Masjid Ghousia is a key community mosque offering worship, education for children and adults, and services like marriages and funerals.
It has been established since the 1990s, aiming to strengthen community foundations through prayer and knowledge.
The mosque has hosted events, including preachers now cited in allegations against its chairman.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
Mr Khatana remains suspended administratively while Labour conducts an investigation into the allegations.
No timeline for the probe has been specified, but it will determine if further action is taken.
Political opponents continue to press for transparency from both Labour and Chancellor Reeves.
Why Does This Matter Politically?
The incident highlights tensions over extremism within mainstream parties, with Reform UK leveraging it against Labour leadership.
It raises questions about vetting of activists and public figures’ associations in constituencies like Leeds West.
Labour’s response underscores separation from alleged views, but opposition demands fuller accountability.
This story, unfolding rapidly on March 2, 2026, has drawn coverage from BBC, Hits Radio (PA’s Helen Corbett), The Independent, The Telegraph, and others, focusing on the interplay of local community leadership, party membership, and national politics. Jenrick’s X post and subsequent press conference amplified the issue, prompting Labour’s immediate action.
The allegations remain unproven, with the investigation key to resolution. Community figures like Mr Khatana often bridge faith and politics in diverse areas like Armley, making such cases sensitive.
Opposition voices, including Reform UK, frame it as symptomatic of deeper issues, while Labour emphasises unawareness and non-endorsement.
Further developments are expected as the mosque potentially responds and the probe progresses.
