Rachel Reeves’ dubious association sparks uproar
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing a storm of criticism over her close ties to a Leeds community leader accused of spreading conspiracy theories and rubbing shoulders with extremist-linked individuals.
Arshad Khatana, vice-chairman of Leeds Council of Mosques and member of Jamia Masjid Ghousia in Armley, has been pictured with Reeves at least two dozen times, including at his Yorkshire home, claims Reform UK’s treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick.
Conspiracy theories and extremist links
The controversy centres on Khatana’s murky online activity. In 2019, he shared a video alleging the 9/11 attacks, which killed 2,977 people, were secretly signalled in advance through American TV shows like The Simpsons. The clip claimed the media was used to “psychologically train audiences” and sneak “covert messages” about global events.
That same year, Khatana posted a video highlighting Riyaz Naikoo, a member of Hizbul Mujahideen – a terror group banned across the EU, US, and Canada.
More recently, in September 2025, Khatana was spotted seated with Muhammad Adil Shahzad, who has denounced Google and other platforms as “run by the Jews,” urging followers to rely on Islamic scholars instead.
Political fallout and calls for accountability
Jenrick didn’t hold back, slamming Reeves for her “appalling lack of judgement.”
“She has become very close to a local community leader in Leeds in order to save her own political skin. But this man is a fanatic who has repeatedly shown that he holds shocking views.”
The former Tory minister warned: “We don’t want foreign issues and sectarian politics to dictate what happens in our parliament. Reeves must answer for this and explain why she has become so close to this man.”
Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, has yet to publicly respond. The revelations are expected to raise fresh questions about vetting of political associates—especially with ties this close to someone with extremist connections.
