A Conservative MP in the UK has said he will step down before the next general election.
Paul Scully’s decision follows comments he made about Muslim “no-go” areas in London and Birmingham.
There was a widespread backlash over his remarks, which he made in the context of an escalating row over Islamophobia in the ruling Conservative Party.
In an interview with BBC London last week, he described areas of Tower Hamlets in London and Sparkhill in Birmingham as “no-go” areas for non-Muslims because of local Muslim residents “abusing” their religion.
Shortly after the interview, Scully publicly apologized for the comments and said he “put his hands up” for using language he “regrets.”
But on Monday, the MP announced his resignation ahead of UK general elections expected later this year.
He said on X: “I have told my local association that I won’t be contesting the next general election. Over the last nine years it’s been a privilege to represent in parliament, the area which I called home for 35 years.”
He added: “Fuelled by division, the party has lost its way and needs to get a clear focus … It needs a vision beyond crisis management which can appeal to a wider section of the electorate including younger people.”
Scully’s comments concerning “no-go” areas were condemned by both Conservative figures and politicians from the main opposition Labour Party.
Andy Street, Conservative mayor of the West Midlands, said it was “time for those in Westminster to stop the nonsense slurs and experience the real world. I for one am proud to lead the most diverse place in Britain.”
Chair of the Labour Muslim Network, Ali Milani, told BBC London that Scully was promoting an “Islamophobic myth that has been continuously perpetuated.”
