MAYOR QUITS
Probe launched into links to far right sites ‘It’s entirely inappropriate behaviour for a mayor’ Cllr also resigns from party
THE mayor of Wokingham town has resigned following an investigation into his social media presence takes place.
Cllr Peter Lucey decided to step down yesterday after an investigation was launched in to his posting of links to far right and Islamophobic websites.
His conduct came to light following a complaint made by a member of the public to Cllr Andy Croy. He in turn contacted Wokingham Conservatives to call on them to launch the probe.
And in a letter in this week’s Wokingham Paper (page 18), Cllr Croy called on Cllr Lucey to resign.
Some of the sites that the Wokingham town councillor links to include The Gatestone Institute, a right-wing anti-Muslim think tank, and We Are At Home, a page that says it is for people who “are sick of increasing political correctness” and links to webpages about white supremacy.
Cllr Lucey’s Facebook page, which was viewable by anyone yesterday, also included likes to a fan page to controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders and the former UKIP leadership candidate Raheem Kassam who has just self- published a book called Enoch Was Right: 'Rivers of Blood' 50 Years On.
There are also posts from Cllr Lucey showing him with controversial Canadian author Mark Steyn, who hold antiIslamic views, at a book signing.
Cllr Croy told The Wokingham Paper: “I’m shocked by these posts. He had to resign. No elected politician should have views like this. You cannot have Islamophobic people in these positions.
“I’m pleased we no longer have an Islamophobic mayor.”
And town councillor Imogen Shepherd Dubey – who is standing in the borough elections for the Liberal Democrats in Emmbrook ward for – said that Cllr Lucey’s postings had been brought to the attention of the town council previously.
“When he first became mayor I made a complaint to the town clerk over his Twitter account. He had a talking to, but it didn’t change,” she told The Wokingham Paper.
“I don’t agree with any of these views in any way. It’s entirely inappropriate for a mayor.”
We contacted Wokingham Conservatives for a comment, but did not receive a response prior to publication other than learning that he was no longer a party member. We understand that proir to this an investigation was due to take place by Conservative central office.
In a statement, Wokingham Town Council said: “Councillor Peter Lucey has today resigned from Wokingham Town council for personal reasons.”
And speaking to The
Wokingham Paper, Cllr Peter
Lucey apologised for his behaviour.
“I resigned because my behaviour was unacceptable,” he said. “This is absolutely the right course of action. People in public life need to be unblemished.
“I should not be town mayor and I have resigned. Instantly.
“It is an embarrassment for the town council and for the party,” he added.
Cllr Lucey has pledged to go on a social media course.
Also standing in Emmbrook ward are Jack Beresford, Conservatives and Peyman Jahromi, Labour