Council leader in hot water for calling cuts protesters ‘retards’

Hull Council Tory group leader John Fareham used the word while updating his page during a budget-setting meeting where a controversial package to axe 1,400 jobs and cut £65m was approved.

Although he apologised and removed the comment, a Standards Board hearing is likely to investigate after the mother of a disabled youngster complained.

Former nurse Julie Corbett has submitted an official complaint against the councillor’s “shocking” comment.

She said: “The term ‘retard’ was used widely last century as a derogatory comment implying someone was an inferior person in both intellect and manners. To hear that a person has taken the trouble to write it down in a message is quite shocking.

“One of my children has a severe learning disability and if I was aware that this word was used about her, I would consider it a hate crime.”

Unison regional organiser Steve Torrance said several people with physical and learning disabilities were in the public gallery at the time.

He added: “Not only are Councillor Fareham’s remarks offensive and unwelcome generally, they are of particular concern given that members of the public with disabilities were present in the gallery throughout the council debate as well as the people who care for them.

“Unison will be petitioning the next council meeting calling for the council leader to defend the rights of disabled people not to be abused in this way and for action to be taken over Councillor Fareham’s disgraceful behaviour towards members of the public and trade union members.”

Coun Fareham later used his Twitter page to apologise, saying the comment was “misguided”.

He added: “I apologise unreservedly for the adjective in my earlier tweet about the intimidation by some people. I got it wrong and I’m sorry.”