Mayor slams his partner’s Board jibe
THE MAYOR of Hackney has slapped down comments about the Board of Deputies made by his partner — a local Labour official — after the party announced an investigation into the remarks.
Hackney South LGBT officer Craig Parr, who is in a relationship with Labour Mayor Philip Glanville, sparked anger after responding to the news on Monday about Labour General Secretary Jennie Formby’s resignation by writing: “Who will the Board of Deputies chose [sic] to replace her?”
On Wednesday, Mr Glanville told local newspaper the Hackney Citizen that the remarks were “completely unacceptable” — although a day earlier his office had told the JC he would not comment on the issue.
But a spokesperson for Hackney South Labour Party had subsequently confirmed: “In line with disciplinary rules, the national party is now investigating and will take appropriate action.’’
Mr Parr, who is chair of the local party’s Victoria ward, also posted about the leaked Labour report on antisemitism: “BOD gagging order has apparently been lifted.’’
It is not the first time Mr Parr had drawn criticism over his social media posts.
He once attacked Holocaust Educational Trust chief executive Karen Pollock over her attempt to get a book by Holocaust denier removed.
A teacher, Mr Parr also sparked outrage after he was photographed holding a banner which read, “Rejoice, Thatcher Is Dead.”
The JC has learned that several Hackney Labour councillors reacted furiously to Mr Parr’s comments.
When approached by the JC, Mr Parr put the phone down.