News / Politics
Labour councillor suspended for racist comment
A Labour councillor has been suspended for a racist comment against an alleged thief who was photographed allegedly taking copper pipes and a toy fridge from properties in east Bristol.
In a now deleted comment made on Friday, Fabian Breckels said: “This idiot needs locking up, and if he’s not British, then he needs deporting afterwards.”
The longstanding councillor for St George Troopers Hill ward has now apologised for the comment on Facebook, which he said he “deeply” regrets making.
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In a statement to Bristol24/7, the Bristol Labour group confirmed the suspension of Breckels, saying that he has been suspended “with immediate effect” and that his conduct has been referred to the national party “for a full investigation”.
Breckels said: “I unreservedly apologise for my comment and deeply regret making it. I swiftly deleted the comment. However, I understand the hurt it may have caused.”
Fabian Breckels made the swiftly deleted racist comment from his official councillor account – image: Facebook
Green councillor Lorraine Francis, who lives in St George Troopers Hill ward, said she was left “disgusted” by Breckels’ comment and called for his resignation soon after he wrote his reply to a Facebook post on Friday morning.
In the statement to Bristol24/7 on behalf of the Greens, Francis added: “In a time when racist attacks are on the rise across the city, I am disgusted to see councillor Breckels use his platform to spew this racist rhetoric.
“Following backlash from residents, the comment was swiftly deleted. But the damage is done. This kind of racist behaviour should have no place in Bristol, a proud and diverse city of sanctuary.”
Main photo: Fabian Breckels
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