Bharat Pankhania, the former Mayor of Bath, continues to serve as a councillor despite announcing his intention to resign several months ago.
Dr Pankhania stepped down from his ceremonial role as Mayor of Bath in March following controversy over a repost on his personal X account (formerly Twitter). The repost referred to an arson attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity as an “Israeli false flag.” Dr Pankhania subsequently issued a public apology, explaining that the post did not represent his values and that he was not fully aware of its implied subtext.
During the last full meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council in July, Dr Pankhania announced his plan to resign as councillor for Combe Down after eight years in the role. However, as of the council’s first meeting following the summer recess on 17 September, he has not resigned and remains a sitting councillor.
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Sources indicate that councillors from various parties persuaded Dr Pankhania to remain in his position to avoid the expense and logistical challenges of holding a by-election, especially with the next full council elections scheduled for 6 May 2027.
The controversy began in March when Dr Pankhania reposted messages on X that labelled the arson attack on ambulances in Golders Green as an “Israeli false flag,” with additional posts suggesting the attack was motivated by insurance fraud. He promptly deleted these posts and offered a full apology, describing the messages as “abhorrent.”
Following these events, the Liberal Democrats suspended Dr Pankhania, who then left the party in March, coinciding with his resignation as Mayor of Bath. At the council meeting on 16 July, he explained his decision to step down as councillor, citing the need to prioritise his health and wellbeing.
He stated: “Like all of us, I am human and capable of making mistakes. I made a momentary error by sharing a social media message before fully understanding its implications. I am sorry for that and wish it had not happened.”
He acknowledged that his actions caused concern and offence, adding that he had reflected on the matter and accepted responsibility. He expressed regret for the distraction caused to the council and the mayoralty, and noted that stepping back was the correct course of action.
Dr Pankhania emphasised his commitment to public service, saying: “Throughout my time as a councillor, deputy mayor, and mayor of Bath, I have sought to serve every resident with integrity, respect, and a genuine desire to improve our city.”
Notably, three councillors walked out of the chamber just before he began his statement at the July meeting.
Dr Pankhania was the 798th Mayor of Bath, a position that is purely ceremonial and held by a different councillor each year. He is the first mayor to resign from the role since 1937.
Attempts have been made to obtain clarification from Dr Pankhania regarding whether he still intends to proceed with his resignation as councillor, but no confirmation has been received to date.