Councillor told to resign over ‘golliwog’ dolls

A COUNCIL leader is facing calls to resign over a photo she posted online appearing to show a display case of golliwogs at her home.

The dolls, considered to be racist, were seen in the background of a Facebook picture shared by Lora PeaceyWilcox of the Isle of Wight council.

The photo first came to attention last November. But the 58-year-old has allegedly refused to explain the dolls, and the controversy came to a head at a council meeting on Wednesday.

Calls of “racism” were heard as well as shouts of “bullying” and “harassment” from members of the public.

Councillors said Cllr Peacey-Wilcox has offered “no explanation” or “apology” for the dolls. She has been given a week to respond to questions.

But the council leader has gone to the police, claiming to be the victim of a hate crime. Cllr Peacey-Wilcox, of the Alliance Group, has served on the council for 18 years and has denied owning the dolls. She said she has complained to police that she is being harassed over the image, which she has since deleted.

Cllr Geoff Brodie said: “In my view, she should resign. There are increasing numbers of ethnic minority people living on the island, and this sort of thing should certainly not be coming from the leader of the local authority.”

Asked about the dolls, Cllr PeaceyWilcox said: “I can confirm I have no such items in my house.”

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed it is investigating a “hate incident” in connection with the photo.