'Swastika tattoo' is misunderstood Buddhist peace symbol says Reform councillor's wife

GB, May 24 — A newly elected Reform UK councillor in Barnsley has been pictured with what appears to be a swastika tattoo visible on his arm, in a series of publicly accessible Facebook photographs spanning almost a decade. Andy Arnold’s wife and fellow Reform UK councillor, Theresa, has claimed the tattoo is a ‘misunderstood’ buddhist peace symbol.

The swastika is strongly associated with Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler’s regime and the Holocaust , during which six million Jews were murdered. It is widely regarded as a hate symbol.

Andy Arnold , who was recently elected to represent Wombwell , can be seen in at least three photos posted on a public Facebook account with a small tattoo visible on his forearm. The Facebook page hosts content for a tattoo business, called ‘Taattoo’ in Wombwell, which is registered under Theresa Arnold.

Theresa, who is understood to be Andy’s wife, was also elected as a councillor for Reform UK on May 7. The images, dating back to 2018 appear to show Mr Arnold wearing a vest top while tattooing customers, with the tattoo visible on his upper arm. An image of his arm in 2024 is the last publicly accessible photograph showing the tattoo on the account. The Star understands the tattoo has since been covered with a different design.

However, responding to online speculation, wife Theresa said: “The only context I can provide is that, in his late teens, my husband briefly explored Buddhism and had a symbol tattooed on his arm during that period. “He has never been involved with, supported, or held views associated with Nazism or any extremist ideology.

“The tattoo was later covered because the symbol was frequently misunderstood and people incorrectly associated it with something entirely different from its original religious context. “Unfortunately, the meaning was often misinterpreted without understanding the background behind it. “There is no wider story here beyond a youthful decision connected to a short-lived interest in Buddhism.”

The online controversy follows a turbulent period for Reform UK in South Yorkshire following the local elections , despite making major gains. Two South Yorkshire Reform UK councillors have already left the party. The Star previously reported on Nathaniel Menday, who Reform UK said brought the party “into disrepute” and was subsequently suspended from the party. On a now-deleted X account, Nathaniel Menday shared pictures of swastikas, Adolf Hitler’s book Mein Kampf and other far-right imagery including the Sonnenrad, also known as the “sun wheel”.

Earlier this week, Mick Lee also left the party, following alleged arguments during the Sheffield branch’s leadership elections. Reform UK have been contacted for comment.