Dr Bharat Pankhania, the former Mayor of Bath, has announced his resignation as a councillor, three months after sharing a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter) that referred to an arson attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity as an “Israeli false flag.”
Earlier this year, Dr Pankhania stepped down as mayor after reposting content that suggested the Golders Green ambulance attack was insurance fraud. Now, citing health and wellbeing, he will also leave his position representing Combe Down on the Bath and North East Somerset Council, a role he has held since 2019.
Addressing the council, Dr Pankhania stated, “Like all of us, I am human and capable of making mistakes. I made a mistake, a momentary error, by sharing a social media message without fully understanding its implied meaning. I am sorry for that and wish I hadn’t shared it.”
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He acknowledged the impact of his action: “My decision caused concern and offence. I listened, reflected, and took responsibility. I regret the distraction it caused to the council and the mayoralty, and I stepped back as soon as it was clear it was the right course of action.”
Dr Pankhania emphasized his commitment to public service: “Serving the community has always been a privilege. Throughout my time as councillor, deputy mayor, and mayor, I have aimed to serve every resident with integrity, respect, and a genuine desire to improve our city.”
The announcement came amidst visible tension in the council chamber, with three councillors walking out before his statement. Dr Pankhania had been Bath’s 798th mayor—a largely ceremonial post held annually by different councillors—since 2025. His resignation marks the first time a Mayor of Bath has stepped down from the role since 1937.
After the controversy, Dr Pankhania was suspended from the Liberal Democrats and subsequently left the party in March alongside his resignation as mayor. His formal resignation as councillor will require submission of a letter to the council’s chief executive. This is expected to trigger a by-election potentially held this summer. However, the winner will serve a brief term as all council seats will be contested in the next local elections on May 6, 2027.
The arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green—from which the controversy arose—has led to a counter-terrorism investigation. Five individuals have been charged, with a trial scheduled for January 2027. Hatzola is a volunteer-led ambulance service founded to assist anyone in need, Jewish or otherwise.
In his original apology posted on X, Dr Pankhania expressed regret for sharing posts “which have never aligned to my values and beliefs, and which are abhorrent.” He deleted the posts and issued an unreserved apology, later reiterating his remorse to local media. “I am very sorry and upset. I made a mistake in retweeting without realizing it could be seen as endorsement. There is no way I harbour hatred towards people or religions. It was simply an error, which is why I immediately apologized and withdrew the retweets.”