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The Labour Party is investigating comments made by a newly selected Liverpool Council candidate - which have been described as antisemitic and homophobic.

Liam Moore has been chosen as the party's candidate to contest the Norris Green seat in May's elections - a move that has prompted anger in some quarters because of comments he has previously made on social media that have been slammed as 'shocking and completely unacceptable' by fellow Labour members.

The comments, made by Mr Moore - who is a Christian preacher and part-time Phil Collins impersonator - have been sent directly to the ECHO by concerned Labour members and other city residents.

The comments which have been deemed antisemitic include the statement: "Rothschild's Zionists run Israel and world governments" and Labour is "infiltrated by sellouts who would sacrifice a Labour government for their 30 pieces of silver.”

Another facebook status proclaimed: "We are seeing a very English right wing Zionist coup."

The comments - which appear to have now been deleted - have been widely condemned from voices across the Labour Party.

Wavertree MP Luciana Berger said: "These comments are unacceptable; even more so from someone seeking public office. I look forward to this being dealt with swiftly."

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The left-wing campaign group Momentum also voiced its displeasure, tweeting: "Shocking and completely unacceptable comments from anyone seeking to stand as a councillor."

Responding to the first tweet mentioned, Mr Moore told the ECHO: “This was posted in 2014.

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"On reflection I have used inflammatory language, and had absolutely no intention of offending Jewish people”.

But other people have now come forward and sent the ECHO other comments made on social media that they believe could be classed as homophobic.

One tweet sent by the Norris Green candidate appeared to be discussing homosexuality, and said: "I'm a Christian preacher lad, my god son is and another might turn out gay. I love them but I don't agree with it."

(Image: Liverpoool Echo)

However, when asked about this statement, Mr Moore strongly refuted that he was talking about homosexuality.

He said: "I don’t believe in labels.

"Whatever people’s sexuality colour or creed ,as a Christian I see everyone as equal.

"This was part of a thread that was about people being labelled and the comment on my tweet related to that thread absolutely not about people being gay."

While some local Labour councillors have condemned Mr Moore for what he has said -others have rushed to defend him.

This includes cabinet member Barry Kushner who said on facebook: "I have known him for a long time and he is not antisemitic. He is a good man and has done a lot of good for the city."

(Image: Liverpoool Echo)

Liverpool's Liberal Democrat leader Richard Kemp said he has been approached by two Jewish Labour members about Mr Moore's comments.

He said: "They have sent me copies of his social media feeds which seem to hem and to me to be in clear contravention of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism which has been adopted not only by Liverpool Council but also by the Labour itself.

"There has been a huge increase in anti-Semitism in the UK generally and in even in the relatively safe haven of Liverpool members of the Jewish faith increasingly threatened by anti-Semitic rhetoric and actions."

The Labour Party has confirmed it is investigating the issue, a spokesman said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously, which are looked into and any appropriate disciplinary action taken in line with Party rules and procedures."