Councillor suspended after calling Prince Philip a ‘massive racist’
A BELPER councillor has been suspended from the Labour Party after describing the late Duke of Edinburgh as a “massive racist” and a “bigot” shortly after his death was announced.
Councillor Jyoti Wilkinson, who represents the Belper South ward on the Labour-run Belper Town Council, sparked anger from local residents and a scathing response from the Belper Conservative group when he posted the remarks on Facebook an hour after the news of Prince Philip’s death.
Sharing a public Facebook statement by Labour leader Keir Starmer in tribute to Prince Philip, Cllr Wilkinson added “He was a massive racist Kier [sic]”. He is also reported to have posted “that’s one less bigot in the world.”
Cllr Wilkinson, who was a caseworker for former Derby North MP Chris Williamson, has since publicly posted newspaper coverage of the backlash against his previous comments, adding “and I stand by it”.
The Belper Conservatives later issued a public statement condemning the councillor’s “abhorrent” comments, adding that the “Belper Labour Group should hold their heads in shame”.
Cllr Wilkinson has since been suspended by Labour after a review by the party’s Governance and Legal Unit, which adjudicates on disciplinary matters concerning members and elected representatives.
Under Labour Party rules members who are suspended while holding office automatically have the party whip removed, pending investigations through internal disciplinary procedures. Suspended members have the right to appeal to the party through an internal disciplinary procedure. If an appeal is not successful a member can be expelled outright from the party. Kevin Buttery, leader of the Conservative group on Amber Valley Borough Council, said: “The comments he made were inappropriate, insensitive and displayed an incredible lack of tact and respect to the Queen and Royal Family at a time when they are just coming to terms with the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather. As well as being a figurehead for the nation for over 70 years, his Duke of Edinburgh award scheme now covers 144 countries and has played a part in the development of millions of young people around the world.
“What is unknown is whether these are Jyoti Wilkinson’s personally-held views against Prince Philip and the role of the Royals in today’s society, or whether he was speaking on behalf of the Labour Group at Belper, which has been conspicuously quiet on this matter.
“I think his suspension is the correct course of action whilst the matter is investigated, however, as he is an influential member of Belper Labour, I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that he will be reinstated after the election”.
Belper Town council is run by Labour, which accounts for all 14 of the current councillors. Two of the council’s seats are up for election in by-elections to be held in Belper South and Belper East on May 6.
A Labour spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate action is taken.”
Neither Cllr Wilkinson or Belper Labour responded to a requests for comment.