Councillor apologises for ‘inappropriate’ comments on Covid
A NEWLY-elected Labour councillor is under investigation for sceptical views regarding coronovirus on her social media posts.
Councillor Shabina Bano, who represents the Small Heath ward, espoused views that lockdowns would not end until “a certain number of deaths” were recorded.
The Facebook posts, unearthed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), were posted in 2020.
Replying to one individual post in April 2020 about coronavirus deaths being exaggerated, councillor Bano said: “Well I’m sure the government has to reach a certain number of deaths before lockdown ends. So they [sic] playing the game at our own expense.”
Another comment by Councillor Bano on a post about two people suffering allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine, published in December 2020, said: “Six dying means nothing.
“Masses have to die before any legal action can be taken.
“And I’m sure the company has that covered.
“Out of 10,000 maybe 800 have to die before anything can be done.”
Councillor Bano was elected a new councillor for the Small Heath ward with 2,142 votes – a majority of 137 against runner up, Labour councillor Saqib Khan.
Councillor Bano said she apologised “wholeheartedly” for the comments, and recognised they were “deeply inappropriate”.
“I am not an anti-vaxxer and I am grateful for the vaccination against Covid.
“In 2021 I volunteered my time to the community, delivering workshops promoting the understanding of Covid 19 and tackling the misconceptions of Covid.
“This was something I felt I needed to do, having been very poorly with Covid.
“I have actively encouraged my friends, family, and community to get their vaccines too.
“I am dedicated to serving and representing the people of Small Heath who have put their trust in me.”
A Birmingham Labour spokesperson said: “We will be looking into these comments and will ensure that our members are reminded about the conduct that is expected of them on social media.”