Newly elected Reform councillor in Gosport mocks diversity protest before deleting post
The councillor deleted his post commenting on the protest
A newly elected Gosport councillor sparked the wrath of rival supporters after appearing to mock a diversity protest on social media - before deleting the post.
Reform UK councillor for Grange, Alver Valley and Hardway Colin Towell reacted to a Stand up to Racism protest in Gosport High Street on Saturday, less than two days after his election victory.
Cllr Towell, who has now been announced as the deputy leader of Reform in Gosport, wrote in a now deleted post alongside a laughing emoji on Facebook: “In Gosport High Street today a homogenous group of white middle class people gathered to celebrate the diversity they did not invite or that could not be bothered to turn up and support them. You cannot make this stuff up.”
The post from Cllr Towell, who was also elected as a county councillor, drew criticism from rival supporters. One local blasted: “He is my councillor. Beyond embarrassing and should be sacked. Disgusting.”
Another wrote: “Time to throw in the Towell.” Others said they would lodge complaints.
A spokesperson for Gosport Borough Council said: “We do not comment on complaints against individual councillors. Complaints against councillors are dealt with through the constitutional process.”
A post from former borough councillor Jonathan Brown, also shared by Stand Up to Racism, said the protest should be celebrated.
He said: “About fifty people turned out - with just two days' notice - to stand for unity, welcome, and the idea that diversity is something to celebrate. Pride flags, Women Against the Far Right, Refugees Welcome banners, music, dancing. People, young and old, joined from the street as they passed.
“Some of those young people who'd wandered over to the other side came and found me afterwards. They wanted to know what it was all really about. They had friends of colour, knew migrants and refugees, had gay and trans siblings. They knew the opposing messages of hate didn't match the world they actually lived in.
“To every person in Grange and Alver Valley who has ever been made to feel like an outsider - because of where you're from, who you love, or who you are: you belong here. You are valued. You are this community.”
Cllr Towell had said after being elected: “I would like to thank the residents of both Hardway Division and Grange and Alver Valley Ward for electing me to be their representative at Town and County Council.
“I shall undertake to serve you to the greatest of my abilities and to work with all those who strive to improve the lives of others within their communities, irrespective of politics. I would also like to thank the people of Gosport for so comprehensively placing their faith in myself and my colleagues in Reform UK. It truly is an honour.
“The people of Gosport have spoken. You gave us victory in every Ward we contested with the Liberal Democrats and Labour. You unseated nine of their politicians in favour of Reform UK and you gave us the popular vote also. You have made your feelings clear and firmly rejected their politics. It is for us at Reform UK to now prove ourselves to you through our hard work and dedication. Let the restoration of Gosport and our great nation begin.”
Cllr Towell, posting about his promotion on Thursday (May 14), said on social media: “I am very proud to have been announced as the deputy leader of Reform UK Gosport and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to improve our town.”
It comes as a newly-elected Reform councillor Ken Tranter, who was elected to the Aldershot South seat on Hampshire County Council, apologised after posting on social media calling for the police to take action about “non white persons taking over” a town park with the “strong pervading smell of cannabis”.
Cllr Towell has been approached for comment.