Second Green Party Candidate Quits Lewisham Over Antisemitism (Lewisham, 2026)

Key Points

• Bernard Mani, a London Green Party candidate for Lewisham, has withdrawn from the May 7 local elections.
• Mani shared conspiracy theories about Jewish people online, leading to his resignation.
• He was accused of tearing down balloons displayed in solidarity with Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas.
• The balloon incident occurred during a pro-Palestine march in Brighton in November 2023 and was filmed and covered by national newspapers.
• This marks the second Green Party candidate in London to quit over similar issues involving conspiracy theories about Jewish people.

Lewisham (South London News) April 10, 2026 – Bernard Mani, the Green Party candidate selected to stand in Lewisham for the local elections on May 7, has withdrawn his candidacy following revelations that he shared conspiracy theories about Jewish people on social media. The decision comes after the incident gained attention, marking the second such withdrawal by a London Green Party candidate amid concerns over online posts promoting antisemitic narratives.

Why did the second London Green Party candidate quit the elections?

As first reported by Joe Murphy and Josh Barrie of the Evening Standard, Mani’s withdrawal was prompted by the exposure of his past social media activity, where he shared content alleging conspiracy theories involving Jewish people.

The Evening Standard detailed that these posts had circulated online, prompting party officials to act swiftly. A Green Party spokesperson confirmed Mani’s resignation, stating it aligned with the party’s commitment to maintaining standards.

The Evening Standard article highlighted that Mani was due to contest the Lewisham ward but stepped down after the posts surfaced. No direct quote from Mani appears in the initial coverage, but the party’s response underscored the seriousness of the matter.

What conspiracy theories did Bernard Mani share about Jewish people?

Details of the specific conspiracy theories emerged from screenshots and reports shared across media outlets.

According to the Evening Standard’s coverage by Murphy and Barrie, Mani had reposted material that propagated unfounded claims typically associated with antisemitic tropes, though exact phrasing was not reproduced in the article to avoid amplification. The party investigated these posts as part of their vetting process, which intensified post-nomination.

Additional context from the Daily Mail’s earlier reporting on related incidents noted the broader pattern, but for Mani specifically, the Evening Standard confirmed the content involved narratives questioning Jewish influence in global events, a common thread in such theories.

What is the balloon-tearing incident involving Bernard Mani?

Mani faced separate accusations of tearing down balloons erected in solidarity with Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas. This occurred during a pro-Palestine march in Brighton on November 2023. The incident was captured on video and widely covered by national newspapers.

As reported by Rebecca Camber of the Daily Mail in an article dated November 2023 (available at dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12712837), the footage showed Mani ripping down the balloons, with a protester stating, “It’s no one else’s demonstration,” before police intervened and led him away.

Camber’s piece described the moment as a “vile” confrontation, quoting witnesses who had set up the display to highlight the hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

The Daily Mail coverage included the video embed, showing Mani’s actions clearly, and noted police attendance but no formal charges at the time. This clip resurfaced in connection with his candidacy, amplifying scrutiny.

Who is the first London Green Party candidate who quit over similar issues?

This is the second such case. The first involved another London Green Party candidate who withdrew after sharing conspiracy theories about Jewish people, as covered by the Evening Standard. Joe Murphy’s reporting specified that the initial candidate’s posts similarly promoted antisemitic content, leading to their resignation ahead of the same May 7 elections.

The Evening Standard noted the pattern, with party insiders expressing concern over candidate vetting. No name was singled out in the latest updates for the first candidate, but the parallel circumstances were emphasised.

How has the Green Party responded to Bernard Mani’s withdrawal?

The Green Party acted promptly upon the revelations. A spokesperson, quoted in the Evening Standard by Murphy and Barrie, said:

“The Green Party does not tolerate antisemitism or any form of discrimination. Bernard Mani has withdrawn his candidacy following concerns raised about past social media posts.”

The party emphasised its ongoing review processes for candidates. No further disciplinary action was detailed publicly, as the withdrawal resolved the immediate election issue.

When and where did the pro-Palestine march incident happen?

The balloon incident took place during a pro-Palestine march in Brighton in November 2023. Rebecca Camber of the Daily Mail reported the exact context: the demonstration drew hundreds, and the solidarity balloons were part of a counter-display. Mani’s intervention was filmed amid tensions, with police stepping in to de-escalate.

National newspaper coverage, including the Daily Mail, archived the event with timestamps aligning to late November 2023, post the October 7 Hamas attacks.

What are the upcoming local elections in London?

The local elections are scheduled for May 7 across various councils, including Lewisham. Mani was slated for a ward seat, but his withdrawal leaves the Green Party to select a replacement. The Evening Standard noted this occurs amid heightened scrutiny on party candidates’ social media histories.

Background on the Development

The withdrawal of Bernard Mani follows a series of challenges for the Green Party in candidate selection for the 2026 local elections. Revelations about social media activity have prompted quicker responses from party officials compared to previous cycles.

The Brighton incident, first covered in November 2023 by outlets like the Daily Mail, gained renewed attention through cross-referencing with election nominations. This development reflects broader efforts by political parties to address online conduct, with the Green Party’s co-leaders having previously issued statements on tackling antisemitism within the party. Historical context includes similar withdrawals in other regions, though this is the second in London for these elections, as per Evening Standard tracking.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Lewisham Voters

This development can affect Lewisham voters by altering the candidate slate for the May 7 elections, potentially requiring the Green Party to nominate a replacement quickly, which may delay local campaigning in the ward. Voters seeking Green representation might experience uncertainty in options, influencing turnout or preference shifts towards other parties.

For those prioritising social media accountability, it reinforces party standards, possibly building trust; conversely, it could raise questions about vetting thoroughness among undecided electors. In a diverse borough like Lewisham, where community tensions around Middle East issues persist, the incident’s publicity might polarise opinions, affecting how voters perceive the Greens’ stance on discrimination. Overall, it prompts voters to scrutinise candidates’ backgrounds more closely ahead of polling day.