COUNCIL LEADER QUIZZED OVER 'COCONUT' RACE ROW!
Conservative Jay Jethwa is to challenge the Leader of Council Barbara Janke over what action she is taking to deal with the recent 'racist' statements made by one of her Lib Dem councillors Shirley Brown.
Just over two weeks ago, Cllr Brown outraged many people when she attacked Councillor Jethwa as a 'coconut' during the debate on the Conservative Revenue Budget amendment.
Since that time, no action has been taken by the Lib Dems, although four members of the public and the Tories have formally complained about her conduct to the Council's Standards Committee.
The row subsequently intensified when Cllr Brown denied in the local and national press that she is racist because [she] is 'black.'
The failure of the Lib Dem Party to condemn their colleague, has now provoked Cllr Jethwa to seek an explanation (through a series of tabled questions) at the first meeting of the new Cabinet on Thursday, 12 March.
Cllr Jethwa (Conservative, Stockwood) said: “I am both angry and saddened that no effective action has been taken by the Liberal Democrats to punish Cllr Brown's ridiculous and racist declarations.
“I am sure that if the positions had been reversed, or such statements had come from a non BME Councillor, many in the Lib Dem ranks would now be baying for blood.
“It is quite clear to me that the 'apology' extended to me from Cllr Brown was entirely disingenuous. Clearly Shirley still cannot see or accept the serious nature of her offence - something which has appalled people nationwide.
“Moreover, I believe for the Lib Dems to hide behind a wall of silence on this behaviour is to condone it.
“Cllr Janke has long been critical of former Administrations over their lack of transparency and openness. Now, is the time to put her previous commitment to these values to the test.
“I hope for candid answers to the questions I have raised but fear a concerted and collective attempt is being made at 'whitewashing' over this issue.”
