A Tory council candidate has said she would never support “the Jew” in an apparent reference to Ed Miliband, writes Justin Cohen

Gulzabeen Afsar, who is standing in Derby, made the remarks in a Facebook exchange yesterday.

She wrote: “Just can’t take Mr Ed Miiband seriously!! DC has what it takes to be the future PM.”

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When another user suggested she should show some respect “for the future PM”, Afsar replied: “Nah bro! never ever will I drop that low and support the al yahud [Arabic for Jew] lol.”

It marks the first time Miliband’s religion had been raised by a candidate seeking office during this election campaign.

A spokesman for Derby Labour Party added: “With anti-semitism on the rise across Europe it is abhorrent and terrifying that a prospective Conservative politician would say something like this.

“Derby Conservatives should launch an immediate investigation into this incident and take the appropriate action. Derby must be free from prejudice, especially from those seeking elected office.”

Jay Stoll, of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “This is clearly unacceptable and the relevant authorities should investigate this matter swiftly.”

A Conservative spokesman said: “Her comment was offensive and wrong. She has removed it and apologised.”

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