MPs condemn councillor’s ‘profoundly offensive’ alleged social media post

Kirklees’ four Labour MPs have condemned the “profoundly offensive” alleged social media comments made by Reform councillor Tracy Clayton.

Harpreet Uppal, Paul Davies, Kim Leadbeater and Jade Botterill published a joint statement on the matter post, which described immigrants as ‘third world animals’.

It reads: “As MPs representing communities across Kirklees, we are deeply shocked and appalled by recent comments from Kirklees Reform councillor, Tracy Clayton.

“A post published on a Facebook account attributed to Coun Clayton, Reform councillor for Colne Valley West, described immigrants as ‘third world animals’. In the same post she stated that she did not care if she was branded ‘a far right racist’ for holding these views.

“These comments are profoundly offensive, dehumanising and incompatible with holding elected office. There is a clear distinction between legitimate debate about immigration policy and language that dehumanises people based on their nationality, ethnicity or immigration status.

“The words attributed to Coun Clayton cross that line and risk making many residents across the Kirklees district feel disregarded by the council that is supposed to serve them.

"Our area is a diverse one. The council’s duty is to serve all residents fairly and with dignity, regardless of their background. Councillor Clayton’s reported comments are entirely incompatible with that responsibility.

“We all have a duty to uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect and conduct expected of those entrusted with public office. That responsibility applies equally to Members of Parliament and councillors.

“While we will not always agree on policy or what is best for our local communities, healthy democracy depends on our willingness to engage respectfully with those who hold different views and lived experiences, particularly at a time when division and polarisation are becoming ever more pronounced.

“Kirklees Reform must address this recent conduct. We urge them to respond promptly and to demonstrate that this Reform led council will represent and respect all residents.”

The leader of the council said last week: “The language used may go further than I would. But Tracy raises an important point in the implied intent of her post. What’s happening in Britain is an invasion; many rational people see this.

“We are importing third-world problems from countries and cultures that just aren’t compatible with Britain. For example, grooming gangs. This country has become unrecognisable, and a lot of people may sympathise with the intent behind Tracy’s post.”

Her stance was further reiterated at Tuesday’s (October 6) cabinet meeting when questioned on the matter by several opposition members.

The screenshot of the initial Facebook post contains references to “invaders” and “Sharia Courts” and uses the words “third world animals”.

The full post says: “I’m away in Greece, I go to Greece a lot, why because no invaders are here, not since the Greece government stood up and said no. (it is an invasion just like Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson said over 15 years ago) no one raiding shops, no gang rapes on the beach, no Sheria Courts, no man marrying a child! Just normal (not 3rd world animals) HOW I MISS THAT ABOUT MY HOME LAND.

“If that makes me a far-right racist, well, you know what I don’t care! Because my ancestors fought and died for this Country, if you come here and don’t like our flag, then DO ONE. I’m bored with your racism also.”

A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “Kirklees Council has an established Code of Conduct and formal process for considering complaints about the conduct of elected members whilst in office.

"Any allegations relating to potential breaches of the Code are considered through that process.”