COUNTY COUNCILLOR SUSPENDED

[Ultra]

From the Mockery

A councillor has been suspended from his party and told he must attend diversity classes after being recorded making offensive remarks at a public meeting.

Robert Fraser, county councillor for Ratby and Groby, has been told he will pay for lessons.

Mr Fraser, a former county council member for equality, was suspended from the Leicestershire County Council Conservative Group under instructions from council leader David Parsons.

At a Groby Parish Council meeting to discuss plans for a caravan site off Sacheverell Way, he said Romanians would "stick a knife in you as soon as look at you", and some Europeans "make the Irish look like complete amateurs".

Footage of the outburst was posted on video website YouTube and viewed by almost 400 people.

Mr Fraser is still able to carry out his duties as councillor for Ratby and Groby but cannot do so under the guise of a Conservative group member. He is able to claim allowances.

David Parsons, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said Coun Fraser's views were "ill advised" and "inappropriate" and would now be sending the disgraced councillor on a diversity and equality course.

He said: "Rob has been suspended pending him attending a course on diversity and equality – I think he needs to go on one.

"The course will not be funded by the taxpayer. Any costs will be met by him. We'll then review his situation and see if we want to reinstate him.

"The course will most probably focus on gipsy and traveller issues. I'm glad he has now made a fulsome apology and I think his suspension is a positive act in many ways."

A statement issued by the Conservative Group of Leicestershire County Council said: "We cannot condone the remarks made by Councillor Fraser and have acted swiftly to ensure Councillor Fraser is made fully aware of the inappropriate nature of his remarks.

"Upon completion of the Equalities and Diversity Training course, Councillor Fraser's position will be re-assessed and a decision will be made upon whether to readmit Councillor Fraser to membership of the Conservative Group.

"The Conservative Group is aware Councillor Fraser's comments at the public meeting will be considered separately through the County Council's Standards Committee."

As well as being suspended by the Conservative group, Coun Fraser will be investigated by the council's Standards Committee.

A county council spokeswoman confirmed: "A complaint about Mr Fraser's conduct will be considered by the Standards Committee."

If the Standards Committee concludes Mr Fraser has failed to follow the Code of Conduct, he could be suspended as a county councillor for up to six months, or until he apologises in writing, receives any training or takes part in any conciliation.

The Romanian Embassy for the UK said the news of Mr Fraser's comments had been given a large amount of coverage in Romania and had outraged many people.

Alfred Kefford, chairman of the Leicester Gipsy Council Liaison Group, said: "I'm pleased something has been done about his comments and I think the suspension is deserved.

"I hope the course teaches him about other cultures and what he can and cannot say.

"I don't think he should be reinstated unless he proves that he is keen to learn. We would be more than happy to give him lessons about our traditions."

The Leicester Mercury attempted to get hold of Coun Fraser on numerous occasions but he was not available.

Of course, if the Tories were serious about tackling bigotry in its own ranks, they'd stop him from seeking re-election under their banner in June.

That would send a clear message that they were really committed to tackling racism and xenophobia.

[StanSP]

He's still able to claim allowances <_<.

He should be prevented from all political duties for the rest of his life.

So ironic that he was a member for equality too. Dick.

[Dr The Singh]

Oh dear what a foolish man, good riddence!!!

And yes Ultra, make an example and get rid, if this was major national news it would happen, we'll wait and see............

[Guest Bilo]

Sound decision by the Tories to suspend him.

I agree with Ultra that he should be banned from standing for election under their banner after comments like this, that would show they're really serious about improving their image and fighting racism.

The only problem that could arise from that is if he were to defect to a more right-wing party or stand as an independent at the next election, if he were to win that there'd be nobody to challenge such outbursts.

Nevertheless, the Conservative group have done the right thing and should wash their hands of him as a councillor.

[BoneDog]

I bet he'll be a changed man after he's attended the diversity classes

[Daggers]

Romanians would "stick a knife in you as soon as look at you"

Obviously an idiotic statement - it takes a full 90 minutes to cook the average adult