A correction and apology regarding Reform councillor David Barker
On 8 May, the Canary published an article entitled “Sunderland Reform councillor David Barker allegedly beat up his girlfriend and abused child”.
The piece incorrectly stated that Barker was the same individual who was given a suspended sentence in 2019 at South Tyneside magistrates’ court for assault and causing actual bodily harm to his girlfriend.
The Canary published this based on information it had at that time. Since then, Barker has reached out to us and provided information categorically showing that he is not the same man who was sentenced in 2019.
The Canary would like to unreservedly apologise to Barker, his family, and friends, for the distress and damage that our article caused. We are committed to ensuring that our publication consistently achieves the highest levels of factual accuracy. However, on this occasion, the information we were provided proved to be inaccurate. We took immediate action to remove the article and investigate.
To confirm: Reform councillor David Barker is not the same David Barker who was convicted in 2019. We have permanently removed all content related to this and will ensure that any future information published about him is accurate.
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On this occasion, unlike a certain South African “philanthropist”, it seems it’s an actual mistake.
Shame the corporates don’t admit when they get something worng, such as false claims of Corbyn’s “antisemitism” fx.
But then, their worngness is intentional after all.
Talking of corrections
Zack Polanski is a zionist
“From Liberal Zionist to Green Party leader: The political journey of Zack Polanski”
https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/greens-leader-polanski-embracing-outsider-status-on-gaza-debate/
“Zack Polanski’s Greens block anti-Zionist motion at conference”
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2026/03/30/dctq-m30.html
I will keep reposting this until the Canary acknowledges it.
It’s crucial to do your homework and make sure you have the correct person! Honestly, I was taken aback by the untrue comments made about David Barker—such an appalling thing to say!
An apology for your deplorable defamation of this individual is insufficient. You have a proven, demonstrable record of posting the most abhorrent and disgusting anti-Zionist, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish targeted hate speech and also grotesque, untrue and deeply offensive slurs against any individual or group that holds political views which do not align with your extreme leftist agenda.
You are not journalists, you are divisive hate mongers and I sincerely hope this individual initiates robust civil legal action against you. Scumbags!
Shame on you for trying to destroy someone’s life. You should be totally ashamed of yourself and your make believe journalists! To publish such untrue claims is absolutely disgusting…. legal action to follow
Frothing at the mouth to libel Reform politicians without due diligence will see you sued and hit financially. Enjoy.
Left-wing activists at The Canary masquerading as journalists. A complete disgrace ! 😡🤬
Fascists really don’t like it when when they are smeared.
Doesn’t stop them doing it to others they hate.
Interesting- he isn’t the same David barker which is true, he’s a different one. However your information was right in regards to child neglect and abuse with his previous parter Sophie Davidson. So yes he wasn’t convicted of domestic abuse but he has had his children removed from him due to neglect, severe neglect. Knowing as pathological liar. He created Facebook groups targeting social workers, and protests outside court and their offices.