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Home Brighton

Former Brighton and Hove council leader accused of wearing swastika

by Frank le Duc
Thursday 27 Mar, 2014 at 9:32PM
A A
12

A former leader of Brighton and Hove City Council was accused of wearing a swastika to a meeting of the council this evening (Thursday 27 March).

Green councillor Ben Duncan tweeted: “Tory councillor Mary Mears appears to be wearing swastika motif on necklace at @BrightonHoveCC meeting. What’s that about? A #masonic thing?”

Tory councilor Mary Mears appears to be wearing Swastika motif on necklace at @BrightonHoveCC meeting. What’s that about? A #masonic thing?

— Ben Duncan (@KemptownBen) March 27, 2014

 

Councillor Mears raised the matter at the meeting, at Hove Town Hall, pointing out to Councillor Duncan that it was a St Bridget’s cross.

She added that his colleague, fellow Green councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, would have been able to explain what it was.

Councillor Mears has Irish family – and St Bridget is an Irish saint. Her cross is shaped like a sunwheel and was traditionally made from rushes or straw.

During a debate about the March for England, Councillor Graham Cox, a Conservative member, described the tweet as offensive.

Councillor Duncan tweeted later: “Gosh it’s easy to wind Tory councillors up here!”

Councillor Duncan later apologised to Councillor Mears for any offence that he had caused.

Gosh it’s easy to wind Tory councilors up here!

— Ben Duncan (@KemptownBen) March 27, 2014

 

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Comments 12

  1. anonymous says:
    11 years ago

    i dont know why they are bothered about it … zzz boring news Swastika or whatever the motive was on the necklace , its just something she wears OHh and did you check to see if she has a 666 tattoo on her head ? DONT BOTHER TO comment on fashion or jewelry please comment on her political skill and maybe how she did a fine job . Sadly i cant black up and sing mammy mayyy id walk a million miles for one of your smiles because it is seen as derogatory to the ..NUFF said on what people wear and the emblems apparently offencive
    “STICKS AND STONES” !!!

    Reply
  2. anonymous says:
    11 years ago

    i dont know why they are bothered about it … zzz boring news Swastika or whatever the motive was on the necklace , its just something she wears OHh and did you check to see if she has a 666 tattoo on her head ? DONT BOTHER TO comment on fashion or jewelry please comment on her political skill and maybe how she did a fine job . Sadly i cant black up and sing mammy mayyy id walk a million miles for one of your smiles because it is seen as derogatory to the ..NUFF said on what people wear and the emblems apparently offencive
    “STICKS AND STONES” !!!

    Reply
  3. Uncle Ruckus says:
    11 years ago

    The desperate Greens yet again seen to be embarrassing themselves even further.

    How long must the people of Brighton suffer this wretched bunch of incompetents and incapables?

    Reply
  4. Uncle Ruckus says:
    11 years ago

    The desperate Greens yet again seen to be embarrassing themselves even further.

    How long must the people of Brighton suffer this wretched bunch of incompetents and incapables?

    Reply
  5. Uncle Ruckus says:
    11 years ago

    The desperate Greens yet again seen to be embarrassing themselves even further.

    How long must the people of Brighton suffer this wretched bunch of incompetents and incapables?

    Reply
  6. Michael n. Inkpin-Leissner says:
    11 years ago

    What is wrong with some members of the Green Group in the Council?

    the disrespect for the democratic institution of the city council of Brighton and Hove is appalling!

    1. Cllr Duncan ‘s behaviour tops only a list of disrespectful behaviours by the Green Councillors. The historical background of the swastika symbol has been mentioned in other Brighton and Hove media before, nonetheless it feels like Cllr Duncan wanted to push Cllr Mears in the Nazi corner by his utterly disgraceful tweets. Despite being most of the time of a different political opinion that Cllr Mears I am on this occasion on her side and support an investigation into Cllr Duncan’s behaviour. Whilst I agree that twitter can be used to update the public on ongoing discussions in the council it should not distract Councillors from council business.

    2. During the first council meeting regarding setting the budget for Brighton and Hove I noticed another disrespectful behaviour to the Council as institution. As a man of faith I was pleased to witness the opening prayer, on this occasion performed by an Anglican priest. But ion other occasions this in faith prayer is performed by members of other faith groups which indicates there is no discrimination to any group intended. it is about wishing the council a good and steady hand in its successful work. however the Greens lead by Council leader Jason Kitkat we’re not in attendance. Even if you are an atheist it is a point of courtesy and respect towards the institution of the council to be in attendance.

    3. We all remember the difficult discussions between all three group leaders regarding agreeing on a budget. But Green Councillors like Sven Rufus and Phelim Maccafferty amongst others ( see the argus report) were seen in shops nearby purchasing alcohol. Others were discussion what wine to have. in a difficult discussion about the city’s future, how can say behave themselves in such a profane way?

    As a Labour candidate for the ward of Hollingdean and Stanmer for 2015 I promise that I always shall respect the democratic institution and the traditions of Brighton and Hove City Council. I want to represent the residents of my ward in an honourable way.

    Michael N. Inkpin-Leissner
    Labour candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer Ward, Brighton

    Reply
  7. Michael n. Inkpin-Leissner says:
    11 years ago

    What is wrong with some members of the Green Group in the Council?

    the disrespect for the democratic institution of the city council of Brighton and Hove is appalling!

    1. Cllr Duncan ‘s behaviour tops only a list of disrespectful behaviours by the Green Councillors. The historical background of the swastika symbol has been mentioned in other Brighton and Hove media before, nonetheless it feels like Cllr Duncan wanted to push Cllr Mears in the Nazi corner by his utterly disgraceful tweets. Despite being most of the time of a different political opinion that Cllr Mears I am on this occasion on her side and support an investigation into Cllr Duncan’s behaviour. Whilst I agree that twitter can be used to update the public on ongoing discussions in the council it should not distract Councillors from council business.

    2. During the first council meeting regarding setting the budget for Brighton and Hove I noticed another disrespectful behaviour to the Council as institution. As a man of faith I was pleased to witness the opening prayer, on this occasion performed by an Anglican priest. But ion other occasions this in faith prayer is performed by members of other faith groups which indicates there is no discrimination to any group intended. it is about wishing the council a good and steady hand in its successful work. however the Greens lead by Council leader Jason Kitkat we’re not in attendance. Even if you are an atheist it is a point of courtesy and respect towards the institution of the council to be in attendance.

    3. We all remember the difficult discussions between all three group leaders regarding agreeing on a budget. But Green Councillors like Sven Rufus and Phelim Maccafferty amongst others ( see the argus report) were seen in shops nearby purchasing alcohol. Others were discussion what wine to have. in a difficult discussion about the city’s future, how can say behave themselves in such a profane way?

    As a Labour candidate for the ward of Hollingdean and Stanmer for 2015 I promise that I always shall respect the democratic institution and the traditions of Brighton and Hove City Council. I want to represent the residents of my ward in an honourable way.

    Michael N. Inkpin-Leissner
    Labour candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer Ward, Brighton

    Reply
  8. Michael N. Inkpin-Leissner says:
    11 years ago

    What is wrong with some members of the Green Group in the Council?

    the disrespect for the democratic institution of the city council of Brighton and Hove is appalling!

    1. Cllr Duncan ‘s behaviour tops only a list of disrespectful behaviours by the Green Councillors. The historical background of the swastika symbol has been mentioned in other Brighton and Hove media before, nonetheless it feels like Cllr Duncan wanted to push Cllr Mears in the Nazi corner by his utterly disgraceful tweets. Despite being most of the time of a different political opinion than Cllr Mears I am on this occasion on her side and support an investigation into Cllr Duncan’s behaviour. Whilst I agree that twitter can be used to update the public on ongoing discussions in the council it should not distract Councillors from council business.

    2. During the first council meeting regarding setting the budget for Brighton and Hove I noticed another disrespectful behaviour to the Council as institution. As a man of faith I was pleased to witness the opening prayer, on this occasion performed by an Anglican priest. But ion other occasions this in faith prayer is performed by members of other faith groups which indicates there is no discrimination to any group intended. it is about wishing the council a good and steady hand in its successful work. however the Greens lead by Council leader Jason Kitkat we’re not in attendance. Even if you are an atheist it is a point of courtesy and respect towards the institution of the council to be in attendance.

    3. We all remember the difficult discussions between all three group leaders regarding agreeing on a budget. But Green Councillors like Sven Rufus and Phelim Maccafferty amongst others ( see the argus report) were seen in shops nearby purchasing alcohol. Others were discussion what wine to have. in a difficult discussion about the city’s future, how can say behave themselves in such a profane way?

    As a Labour candidate for the ward of Hollingdean and Stanmer for 2015 I promise that I always shall respect the democratic institution and the traditions of Brighton and Hove City Council. I want to represent the residents of my ward in an honourable way.

    Michael N. Inkpin-Leissner
    Labour candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer Ward, Brighton

    Reply
  9. Michael N. Inkpin-Leissner says:
    11 years ago

    What is wrong with some members of the Green Group in the Council?

    the disrespect for the democratic institution of the city council of Brighton and Hove is appalling!

    1. Cllr Duncan ‘s behaviour tops only a list of disrespectful behaviours by the Green Councillors. The historical background of the swastika symbol has been mentioned in other Brighton and Hove media before, nonetheless it feels like Cllr Duncan wanted to push Cllr Mears in the Nazi corner by his utterly disgraceful tweets. Despite being most of the time of a different political opinion than Cllr Mears I am on this occasion on her side and support an investigation into Cllr Duncan’s behaviour. Whilst I agree that twitter can be used to update the public on ongoing discussions in the council it should not distract Councillors from council business.

    2. During the first council meeting regarding setting the budget for Brighton and Hove I noticed another disrespectful behaviour to the Council as institution. As a man of faith I was pleased to witness the opening prayer, on this occasion performed by an Anglican priest. But ion other occasions this in faith prayer is performed by members of other faith groups which indicates there is no discrimination to any group intended. it is about wishing the council a good and steady hand in its successful work. however the Greens lead by Council leader Jason Kitkat we’re not in attendance. Even if you are an atheist it is a point of courtesy and respect towards the institution of the council to be in attendance.

    3. We all remember the difficult discussions between all three group leaders regarding agreeing on a budget. But Green Councillors like Sven Rufus and Phelim Maccafferty amongst others ( see the argus report) were seen in shops nearby purchasing alcohol. Others were discussion what wine to have. in a difficult discussion about the city’s future, how can say behave themselves in such a profane way?

    As a Labour candidate for the ward of Hollingdean and Stanmer for 2015 I promise that I always shall respect the democratic institution and the traditions of Brighton and Hove City Council. I want to represent the residents of my ward in an honourable way.

    Michael N. Inkpin-Leissner
    Labour candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer Ward, Brighton

    Reply
  10. ian killmister says:
    11 years ago

    She was not wearing a swastika ! case closed . get on with your lives and IF you are a councillor about to buy booze , make sure your are not seen . As for religion , I am pleased to report that the big bang is now fact . Herendethelesson . luv Lemmy x

    Reply
  11. Perri Butcher says:
    11 years ago

    Why doesn’t the Green Councillor focus on the problems in the City, rather than a Tory Councillor’s accessories? Focus on how unhappy the residents are with ill placed and dangerous cycle lanes and seafront promenades rusting away from lack of maintenance.
    And what has a swastika got to do with Freemasonry? Idiots like him should do some research before making idiotic assumptions.

    Reply
  12. Holly says:
    11 years ago

    The ghastly and incompetent Greens lurch from one crisis to another.

    The sooner they are voted-out, the better.

    Reply

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