Britian Jewish Labour Movement chair resigns over allegations of graft

Marcy Oster

(JTA) — The chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement in Britain resigned over allegations of graft during his tenure as head of the Jewish Leadership Council.

Jeremy Newmark resigned on Friday in order to fight the allegations against him, which he has denied. The allegations contained in an internal report into his time as CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council were published last week by the London-based Jewish Chronicle.

Newmark headed the council from 2006 and 2013. He is accused of billing the council for a number of personal activities, including trips to Israel and leasing a BMW.

Newmark is the councilman for the Borehamwood Kenilworth ward located outside of London. He has called the allegations a “political smear.” The allegations do not relate to his work for the Jewish Labour Movement.

Britain’s Charity Commission has said it will investigate the allegations.