News / Politics
Labour councillor reinstated after suspension for racist comment
A councillor’s suspension for posting a racist comment on Facebook has been revoked.
Bristol Labour have confirmed their “collective” decision to reinstate Fabian Breckels, who represents St George Troopers Hill ward, following an investigation by Bristol City Council, the national Labour government and the local party.
A Labour spokesperson said that Breckels has been removed from his position as a committee chair at City Hall and is no longer Labour’s nomination to the board of trustees of We The Curious, and he has agreed to undertake equalities training.
They added the politician has “unreservedly apologised for any hurt his actions may have caused”.
Fabian Breckels made the swiftly deleted racist comment from his official councillor account – image: Facebook
Commenting on a Facebook post in October about an alleged thief photographed taking copper pipes in east Bristol, Breckels said: “This idiot needs locking up, and if he’s not British, then he needs deporting afterwards.”
The Labour Party soon after confirmed Breckels’ suspension, pending a “full investigation”.
In a statement to Bristol24/7 on Tuesday, a Labour spokesperson said: “Following the conclusion of an investigation by Bristol City Council and the national Labour Party, the Bristol Labour Group has collectively agreed to reinstate the whip to councillor Breckels.
“However, he has been removed from his position as chair of the licensing committee and as Labour’s nomination to the board of trustees of We The Curious.
“Councillor Breckels promptly deleted the comment and unreservedly apologised for any hurt his actions may have caused.
“As a condition for his readmittance to the Bristol Labour Group, he has agreed to undertake equalities training.”
Breckels’ name is listed in Labour group members within documents for a full council meeting taking place on Wednesday.
Fabian Breckels is a long-standing councillor at Bristol City Council – photo: Fabian Breckels
Green councillor for Eastville, Lorraine Francis, who lives in St George Troopers Hill ward, told Bristol24/7: “It is now totally clear what kind of party Labour are.
“A party that is parroting the vile, racist rhetoric of Reform while abandoning the progressive and inclusive values their party was based on.
“I am calling for a fair and transparent migrant policy from this Labour Government and expect every councillor in Bristol to do the same.
“Residents should expect better from their representatives.
“As Labour refuse to offer any sanctions, I am calling for councillor Breckels to hear his residents’ shock and disgust and resign immediately.”
Main photo: Bristol City Council
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