REDDITCH Borough Council has refused to give a vote of no confidence to the mayor over her historical social media quotes where she criticised black, Asian and LGBTQ+ communities.
The vote was brought forward by the Labour group, who said mayor Reform UK councillor Sue Eacock’s comments online were validating division and hate in the community.
Complaints were made about Coun Eacock’s for remarks on X, including one where she suggested there were too many black performers at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert.
Among the most offensive comments was a post where she praised former MP Enoch Powell for his infamous Rivers of Blood speech, saying: “55 years later his words have come true.”
Since that was published Coun Eacock deleted her X account, but many screenshots are still circling online, with no sign of slowing down.
Redditch Reform leader Coun Nic Pioli stood by Coun Eacock, saying the increasing criticism from opposition councillors and residents was a ‘witch hunt’.
He said: “Sue has worked hard for the community for many years and is wholly committed to the work, having been very busy at events and representing the council well in recent weeks.
“It’s sad that Labour wants to play these games, to discredit and politicise the role of mayor, which is a civic and non-political role and that some people on the political left seem intent on harassing an older woman who is just trying to work for the residents who chose her at the ballot box just a few weeks ago.”
However, Coun Sharon Harvey, former leader of the council, said the mayor was a civic leader and represents everyone in the borough.
She said: “With these views she cannot fulfil that role and she has shown no remorse for her views.”
Coun Pioli said the posts were made before she was elected so there was no action to be taken.
He added: “These posts were in the public domain prior to the election when Sue was elected democratically nonetheless, as well as subsequently being elected as mayor by the council, through a fair process.”
Coun Harvey said it was a sad day for civic leadership, adding she hoped the community would speak out.
