Andy Arnold faced calls to resign over a disputed tattoo resembling a swastika, which his wife claims was a Buddhist symbol
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A Reform councillor who defended her husband’s tattoo choices has now levelled accusations of anti-semitism against Barnsley Labour.
In May 2026, newly elected Reform councillor Andy Arnold came under pressure to stand down after social media posts from 2018 surfaced, apparently showing him with a swastika tattoo.
His wife and fellow councillor Theresa Arnold told the Sheffield Star the tattoo had been “misunderstood”, explaining that he had “briefly explored Buddhism” during his late teens. He has never been involved with, supported, or held views associated with Nazism or any extremist ideology.”
She stated the councillor had the tattoo removed after individuals had mistakenly linked it with something “different from its original religious context”.
The incident drew condemnation from Barnsley Labour politicians.
Cllr James Higginbottom said: “Excuses have been given that quite frankly take the people of Barnsley for fools if they think that we’re going to believe that.. He called for the Reform councillor to resign.”
He demanded the Reform councillor step down.
“Reform should throw him out. Why they haven’t already is beyond me. I do not understand it.”
During a full council meeting on July 16, Cllr Theresa Arnold said: “He had a Buddhist symbol on his arm. That’s his freedom of choice. On the other arm he still has a Star of David which has been removed because of anti-semitism from the opposition.
“Now that is his freedom to choose to have them because they represent people who he knows and their beliefs,” she added. “I gave the explanation initially. I said it was a Buddhist symbol, you chose not to accept it. The people on Facebook chose not to accept it.
“Now will you please stop this idiocy because you’ve got more faces than this clock above, and please act like normal adults and stop giving out this hatred.”
A Barnsley Labour Group spokesperson said: “We do not recognise or accept these allegations, which were made without a shred of evidence. If Councillor Arnold has any evidence to support her claims, this should be dealt with through Barnsley Council’s Standards process.
“Councillor Arnold’s remarks at full council continued to maintain the frankly incredulous position that her husband’s tattoo was a Buddhist symbol. It is quite clear that this symbol closely resembles the Swastika, with all of the appalling connotations that are associated with that symbol.”
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