Councillor suspended over tower ‘hanging’ tweet
A SOLIHILL councillor has been suspended from his cabinet position after tweeting “Let’s get ourselves a hangin’!” in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Former mayor and hero policeman Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for environment, housing and regeneration, made the remark as he replied to a Twitter image of Kensington Town Hall protesters.
The tweet, which was posted on Friday from Councillor Hawkins’ account, was quickly deleted and he has “unreservedly apologised”.
Residents protesting outside Kensington Town Hall demanded support for those affected by the tower block tragedy which has so far claimed 79 lives.
The images prompted Councillor Hawkins to make the comment.
Solihull Council said it received a complaint about the post by the Conservative councillor and said an investigation would take place.
Council leader Bob Sleigh said that Councillor Hawkins, who represents Blythe ward, had been suspended pending an investigation.
“Like the whole country, I have been shocked and deeply move by the horrific fire at Grenfell Tower,” he said.
“Over the weekend the council received a formal complaint about the actions of Cabinet Member Ken Hawkins.
“In light of the complaint related to comments on social media, an investigation will now take place, led by the council’s monitoring officer in line with the council’s standards procedures.
“I have taken the immediate action to suspend Councillor Hawkins from his Cabinet Member position for the Environment, Housing and Regeneration.
“I will be taking responsibility in the short term for these areas.”
Councillor Hawkins said: “The Grenfell Tower fire is a real tragedy and my thoughts are with the victims and their families and friends. In this day and age this fire should never have occurred.
“I fully appreciate that my tweet on Friday, which related to the protests outside and inside the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea council offices, may have caused offence and I unreservedly apologise for that.
“In no way whatsoever was the short message directed at the unfortunate victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and I am distraught that some people have interpreted it in this way.”
Before becoming a councillor, Mr Hawkins was a West Midlands Police inspector but was forced to retire after being brutally beaten up by a drugs gang in Sparkbrook.
When he returned to duty, he was fit enough only for desk duties and later realised his police career would have to end.