Councillor is arrested over Facebook posts
NASTY SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES AIMED AT THERESA MAY, DIANE ABBOTT AND OTHER FEMALE MPS
A NEWLY-elected county councillor has been arrested after “racist and bigoted” comments on his Facebook timeline were reported to Leicestershire Police.
Abusive posts aimed at Theresa May, Diane Abbott and other female MPs were found on the profile of Richard Alderman.
Councillor Alderman took up a seat on Rutland County Council last week after winning the Oakham South West by-election on July 12.
The independent candidate took the seat by a single vote.
Tory Melton and Rutland MP Sir Alan Duncan reported Coun Alderman to the police after he became aware of racist and other offensive comments on the councillor’s social media.
These included a picture of noose with a post saying it was the UK’s gift to “the most traitorous” PM.
A police spokesman said in a statement yesterday: “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man under the Communications Act 2003 in relation to a number of comments made on social media.
“The comments, which were reported as being inappropriate in their nature, were reported to police on Monday.
“The man, from Oakham, remains in custody and an investigation is ongoing.”
A second police statement, issued last night, read: “The man, from Oakham, was released under investigation this afternoon.”
Sir Alan has said Coun Alderman is not fit to sit on the authority and demanded his resignation.
The Mercury has contacted Coun Alderman for comment, but he has yet to respond.
We wholly condemn the use of racist and bigoted behaviour. This is not acceptable
Oliver Hemsley, council leader
The county council’s monitoring officer has also been asked to investigate whether there has been a breach of the members’ code of conduct.
In a statement, Rutland County Council’s Conservative leader Oliver Hemsley said: “We wholly condemn the use of racist and bigoted behaviour.
“This is not acceptable in our communities, nor in our council.”
Councillor Hemsley said that the authority’s code of conduct states that no councillor must do anything which may cause the council to breach any of its obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Members must also not bully any person, intimidate or attempt to intimidate any persons, it adds.
“It also outlines that members must not conduct themselves in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing the office or council into disrepute,” added Coun Hemsley. “Councillor Alderman signed the Acceptance of Office on Friday, July 13, in which he agreed to abide by the members’ code of conduct. Having reviewed his comments, I believe that he is in breach of the code and I have referred this to the council’s monitoring officer.
“We have also referred the matter to the police.”