Former Jihadist Embraces Sharon Osbourne's Potential Election Challenge in Birmingham
Shahid Butt, a convicted terrorist who is campaigning to become a local councillor in Birmingham, has openly accepted a challenge from television personality Sharon Osbourne to stand against him in the upcoming elections. The 60-year-old, who is running as an independent candidate in the Sparkhill ward, stated: "She's welcome to, but she won't beat me." This response came after Ms Osbourne, the 73-year-old former X-Factor judge, suggested on social media that she was "seriously" considering a move to Birmingham to enter the political fray.
A Controversial Candidate with a Complex Past
Mr Butt's candidacy has sparked significant controversy due to his criminal history. He was previously imprisoned in Yemen in 1999 for conspiring to bomb the British consulate, an Anglican church, and a hotel in Aden. However, he maintains that his conviction was a miscarriage of justice, claiming he was tortured and forced into a confession. Since his release in 2003, he has returned to the UK and worked with initiatives such as the Home Office's Prevent scheme, aiming to deter young people from terrorism.
Despite this, Mr Butt has frequently drawn criticism for his remarks on violence and religious issues. He has supported bans on Israeli football fans and made statements about Islamic teachings regarding Jews and Christians, though he insists his words are often taken out of context. In his campaign, he focuses on local concerns like anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping, arguing that his "dodgy past" does not disqualify him from public service in his childhood city.
Political Views and the Far Right
In a surprising admission, Mr Butt revealed that he "agrees with the Far Right" on certain issues, particularly praising some policies of Nigel Farage's Reform party. He emphasised the need for controlled immigration, stating: "I definitely don't think we should have people coming over who are not documented, as this is going to cause a lot of problems." Describing himself as a conservative Muslim with traditional values, he noted ironic similarities with Reform, while also acknowledging viewpoints from the left.
He expressed concern over rising racism and Islamophobic attacks, attributing part of the problem to the Far Right's influence. "We (Muslims) are victims here because of the Far Right," he said, condemning all forms of religious and racial hatred. Mr Butt vows to represent all residents impartially if elected, regardless of religion or sexual orientation.
Sharon Osbourne's Potential Candidacy
Sharon Osbourne's interest in the election emerged after she lost her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, a proud Brummie, last summer. Her Instagram posts garnered nearly 3,000 likes, with her declaring: "I'm serious" about running. Mr Butt welcomed her potential involvement, suggesting it would add "glamour and glitter and razzmatazz" to the May elections, though he expressed no particular fondness for Ozzy's music, preferring deep house instead.
The Sparkhill ward, where Mr Butt is standing, has a population that is 70 per cent Muslim, highlighting the diverse community he aims to serve. He positions himself as a non-political figure focused on community issues, citing a lack of faith in established political parties as his reason for running independently.
Mr Butt concluded by reflecting on the democratic process, stating: "This is the benefit of living in a democracy." He remains committed to de-escalation and conflict resolution, despite his past, and promises to advocate for all constituents in Birmingham's vibrant and multicultural landscape.
