Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party and a Leeds City councillor, has been awarded damages by a GB News presenter and a social media commentator following false allegations that he participated in the 2024 Harehills riots. The claims, circulated on social media platform X, accused Ali of joining the disturbances, despite his presence at the event being aimed at assisting police and promoting calm.

Ali initiated legal action against GB News presenter Alex Armstrong and social commentator Bernadette Spofforth for defamation over their posts. During a hearing at the High Court in London, representatives for Armstrong and Spofforth issued formal apologies, acknowledging the serious damage caused to Ali’s reputation and the distress it had inflicted. Both defendants agreed to pay substantial damages as part of the settlement.

In addition to the false allegations related to the riots, Ali has faced threats online after unfounded accusations emerged claiming he had attended a rally supporting the Iranian government. These assertions have prompted a police investigation into the threats directed at him. Ali has publicly called for apologies from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke, who referenced Ali’s alleged attendance at the pro-Iranian event during parliamentary proceedings.

The experience has highlighted the challenges public figures can face due to misinformation on social media and in political discourse, as Ali continues to navigate the consequences for his personal security and public reputation.