Twitter race row councillor reinstated
Alex Gore • Published 29 Jul 2011 13:01
9 Comments
AN OUTSPOKEN councillor suspended by the Lib Dems when he was accused of making a racist remark about a Labour MP on Twitter has had his membership restored - The Chronicle can reveal.
The Lib Dems' South Central office announced today that Reading borough councillor, Warren Swaine, who represents Katesgrove ward, will have to undergo diversity training if he wants to be a spokesman for the group in the next two years.
The decision comes more than five months after Cllr Swaine was suspended for putting a message on the social networking website while Labour's mixed-race Streatham MP, Chuka Umunna, appeared on BBC One's Question Time.
Cllr Swaine tweeted: "I'm waiting for the Labour guy to claim 'is it because I is black?' as a defense [sic] for being a muppet."
Cllr Swaine was suspended, and forced to resign as borough environment leader, after The Chronicle exclusively revealed how his comments sparked outrage among racial equality groups and opposition politicians
The decision to reinstate Cllr Swaine was made last night (Thursday) following a meeting of local parties panel of South Central Region Liberal Democrats.
Region chairman, Michael Berwick-Gooding, said: "The Regional Liberal Democrats have held a hearing into the complaint regarding Warren Swaine, his suspension has been lifted and he is now a full member of the party.
"However he has been informed that he can't be an officer of the Liberal Democrat Council Group for two years or until he has undertaken diversity training."
Rajinder Sophal, director of Reading Council for Racial Equality, said: "The suggestion that diversity training is done is a good one given the problems we have had recently with Cllr Swaine.
"I think it's appropriate that if he is to remain in mainstream politics he should do so with the proper awareness of such issues."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 29 Jul 11
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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NotJohn
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 14:26
Report commentWarren needs a job so he can get in touch with reality rather than diversity training. #
Recommend?
Yes 18
No 6
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Readinger
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 14:48
Report commentBad news for Reading, thankfully, until next election as it is his turn to be thrown out by Katesgrove!
Recommend? Yes 21
No 7
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R Uduwerage-Perera
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 15:02
Report commentThe Liberal Democrat Party should have nothing to be pleased about with regard to this outcome, for it demonstrates that it has a long way to go, with regard to understanding equality and diversity, let alone actually 'walking the talk'.
As a member of the Party, I am ashamed by this whole affair, and specifically the outcome.
Recommend? Yes 20
No 7
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cuckoo
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 15:50
Report commentAre the Lib Dems trying to outdo the Tories for the most laughable political party in Reading this week?
This guy isn't just an idiot, one look at his poisonous blog and Twitter page show that he's pretty sick. Any party that would want him isn't one I'd want anything to do with.
Amazing.
Recommend? Yes 19
No 6
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Nigel Garage
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 17:31
Report commentOh dear, I just regurgitated yesterday's breakfast. Some pixelation on that picture would be greatly appreciated!
Recommend? Yes 23
No 3
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Astonished
Unregistered User
Jul 29, 19:26
Report commentShame on them. I always knew the Lib Dems had no principles.
Recommend? Yes 11
No 4
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NickyL
Unregistered User
Jul 30, 06:31
Report commentI am glad he has been reinstated. As the matter was blown out of all proportion. I am not. A lib dem member and don't vote lib dem but enjoy many of his twitterings and his blog. He does seem to go to far sometimes but he seems to be passionate about politics and I would like to see more counsellors and MPs blog what they really think instead of just PR friendly spin.
Recommend? Yes 4
No 24
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nausea bagwash
Unregistered User
Jul 30, 16:19
Report commentIt is a poor reflection on the Lib Dems that Councillor Swaine has been reinstated. The ignorant and self-regarding antics of an inner clique of Reading's Lib Dem councillors and party officials have served to bring the party into daily disrepute and alienate both existing long-term and potential new members. One can only suppose the party is losing support at such a rate, that like sperm in the old song, every single member is sacred.
Recommend? Yes 19
No 3
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Tanya Hyde
Unregistered User
Jul 30, 19:22
Report commentDear Cllr Swaine, please can you lobby Tesco to put an Express store on Whitley Street as the other convenience stores are running a cartel and we need some proper competition along here. Much appreciated, Tanya xxxx
Recommend? Yes 13
No 9
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