THE LIBERAL Democrat’s parliamentary candidate for Southend West has resigned over what she called “anti-Zionist” following her suspension from the party.

Joyce Onstad – who was suspended from the party before she resigned – previously described the Israeli government as a “2020s version of Nazism” on X, formerly known as Twitter.

On February, 14, Joyce Onstad said on X: “Certain people in the party have taken great offence at the vehemence and ferocity of my stance in the fight to end the genocide in Palestine and have conflated my anti-Zionist position with antisemitism, which is clearly absurd.”

Ms Onstad later said: “Being harassed for supporting justice for the long- suffering people of Palestine and advocating for peace in Ukraine is something I will wear as a badge of honour.”

Ms Onstad added: “I haven't taken this decision lightly”.

“I am a current Federal Board member, representative to Liberal International and have run for Parliament and London Assembly.”

“I was proud that the LibDems called for a ceasefire, unlike Labour and the Conservatives.”

“I fought apartheid in South African until it was defeated. I put everything I had in that struggle. That was way before I joined any political party.

“I have been fighting for the freedom and dignity of the Palestinians for decades now and have redoubled my efforts since October 7th.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats previously told the BBC: "Ms Onstad was suspended from the party following formal complaints about her conduct. She resigned from the party before facing an independent disciplinary panel.

"The posts she had shared on social media were grossly offensive, unacceptable and have no place within the Liberal Democrats."

To read Ms Onstad’s full X post visit here.