A Birmingham Muslim activist with a controversial past that includes imprisonment for involvement in an armed terror plot has announced his candidacy to represent Sparkhill on Birmingham City Council. Shahid Butt, aged 60, declares himself the 'ideal candidate' to unite what he describes as a divided community and city, while pushing back against far-right elements and challenging Labour in one of their traditional strongholds.
Immediate Controversy and Online Backlash
His announcement has sparked immediate controversy and drawn significant criticism online, with opponents claiming he advocates violence, promotes a strongly Islamist agenda, and possesses a criminal history that should disqualify him from public office. Butt has openly encouraged Birmingham's Muslim youth to 'work out at the gym and learn to fight' in preparation for potential attacks, and has urged Muslims to stand firm against people of other faiths, whom he has referred to as 'disbelievers'.
Past Convictions and 'Colourful Life'
Butt's background includes a 1999 conviction on terror charges related to an alleged plot in Yemen. He was found guilty of forming an armed gang and conspiring to bomb the British consulate, an Anglican church, and a Swiss-owned hotel in Yemen. The group was allegedly connected to Islamic radicals who kidnapped 16 Westerners in 1998, resulting in four deaths. Butt has consistently maintained his innocence, stating he confessed under severe torture, and served a five-year prison sentence.
Prior to this, he faced imprisonment in Birmingham for violent offences and was frequently in trouble during the 1980s due to his involvement with the notorious Lynx gang—a street gang primarily composed of Pakistanis that confronted racist far-right groups, skinheads, and the National Front.
Campaign Launch and Independent Alliance
Butt, a father of five and grandfather to two girls, will stand as part of an Independent Candidates Alliance alongside controversial lawyer Akhmed Yakoob and fellow local activist Shakeel Afsar. In a campaign launch video, he stated he would rely on the 'support of Allah, these guys and you' to secure the council seat. The social media reaction has been largely negative, with one comment suggesting 'Birmingham is on the cusp of being lost forever,' while others have circulated clips of Butt's past controversial statements regarding Israel, Muslims, and Birmingham.
Statements on Violence and Self-Defence
When questioned about his violent history, Butt responded, 'I am not a pacifist. If someone attacks me...I am not just going to turn the other cheek, I am going to defend myself. I will (also) be pre-emptive, as the law advises me, if I feel like my life is threatened, or my family, I will do a pre-emptive strike.' He added, 'But does that mean I go around oppressing or bullying people, no, I think that is disgusting.'
He acknowledges his imperfections, stating, 'I'm not saying that I'm perfect. I can make mistakes as well. Sometimes in the heat of the moment I say something that I may later regret...but I'm not an AI robot, I'm a real person, I have had a very colourful life and had my ups and downs but that's what gives me credibility in my community.'
Political Stances and Community Aims
Butt asserts that his story of 'recovery' from his earlier life, combined with strong local recognition and two decades of activism for local and youth causes, will aid his electoral chances. He emphasises his desire to unify people, claiming, 'I genuinely believe I can unify and bring people together. Even if we are talking about the far right, if you stick to your guns and stand firm, your enemy will respect you.'
Views on Antisemitism and Zionism
When specifically asked if he holds antisemitic views, Butt stated, 'as a Muslim I cannot be antisemitic, the Jews are my cousins, we both have the same Father.' However, he clarified he has 'no love' for Zionism—the belief in Israel's right to exist as a Jewish homeland—and has been vocal about Israel's war on Gaza and the plight of Palestinians. 'I'm against any kind of apartheid behaviour, whoever is doing it, but no, I am not an antisemite. I am happy to sit with them, break bread, have a coffee with them, I have no issue whatsoever,' he said.
Addressing Fears of 'Islamic Takeover'
Butt dismissed suggestions of an 'Islamic takeover' of Birmingham or elsewhere as 'wildly exaggerated,' attributing such claims to a specific agenda. 'There is a certain agenda pushing that, it is overhyped. They are giving us too much credit. Muslims are not that powerful,' he argued. He stressed that if elected, he would not implement Sharia law but would abide by British law, stating, 'When I'm sitting in the council chamber, I will not be implementing Sharia law, I have to abide by British law, the law of this land. I will be an advocate of the law of the land.'
Local Priorities for Sparkhill
Explaining his decision to stand now, Butt cited having the desire and time to devote to the community where he grew up. He expressed disdain for party politics, noting he had not previously found a party he could join while remaining truthful to his constituents. His local campaign priorities focus on supporting youth education, steering young people away from drugs, anti-social behaviour, and dangerous driving, and advocating for safer, cleaner streets in Sparkhill. 'I have seen my community change (over five decades) and it breaks my heart,' he lamented.
He urged community action over apathy, encouraging residents to back initiatives to improve their own streets and neighbourhoods. 'We need to take matters into our own hands, let's get it sorted out together,' he concluded, positioning himself as a candidate rooted in real-life experience rather than academic qualifications, claiming a 'phD in life.'
