A COUNCIL has been urged to drop an “unfair” investigation into a leading anti-racist campaigner and trade unionist by MPs, unions and its own mayor.

Salford mayor Paul Dennett has joined several councillors, MP Kim Johnson and Unison general secretary Andrea Egan in demanding Salford City Council drop the investigation into Ameen Hadi.

The investigation was launched following an altercation at an International Women’s Day event in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens attended by newly elected Gorton and Denton MP Hannah Spencer, at which right-wing protesters scuffled with Mr Hadi and others. His supporters say claims he attacked a person at the event are due to “a deluge of malicious complaint emails” after Mr Hadi had become the target of far-right social media personalities and fascist agitator Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

Mr Hadi currently serves as the council’s Unison equalities officer and is a committed anti-racist campaigner.

He won the union’s 2024 Nelson Mandela Award for his “dedicated anti-racist work and his advocacy for equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.”

The Defend Ameen Hadi campaign and Salford City Unison Against the Far Right have demanded an immediate review of the council’s safeguarding process and an end to the disciplinary investigation.

They also called for officers who have instigated actions against Mr Hadi to be investigated and for the council to implement measures to challenge discrimination through anti-racist training and to adopt measures to protect black workers.

Ms Egan said: “I’m proud of the role trade unionists have played in opposing the far right, from Cable Street to the successful battles in my own region to drive out the BNP.

“Ameen Hadi’s contribution to that legacy is without question.”

Ms Johnson said: “I have known Ameen for many years and he has remained steadfast in his opposition and campaigning against the far right.

“He was doing this when he was subjected to an unprovoked attack. Salford City Council has failed him and should not have capitulated to the far right.”

A Salford City Council spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of a matter involving a member of staff and are examining the circumstances of what has happened. The council has taken appropriate actions, in line with well-established Council policies and procedures, some of which remain ongoing at this time.

It is not appropriate for the council to comment further whilst necessary due processes are still to conclude, however, it is important to make clear that all relevant parties have (and will continue to be afforded) the opportunity to provide any relevant information to ensure the processes and procedures being followed ensure that this matter is properly and fairly considered.”