Three strikes and out as Mayor who cares resigns

WARRINGTON’S under fire Mayor Cllr Les Morgan has resigned following  “disgraceful remarks” about Warrington Wolves’ brothers Toby and George King on social media.

The Labour Cllr for Latchford West, who pledged to be “The Mayor who Cares” when he came into office last year, attended at the town hall this morning and tendered his resignation .

He has resigned in his capacity as a Mayor but will remain as a councillor. It is his third public indiscretion since being elected Mayor.

Cllr Morgan posted two comments on The Wire Barmy Army group on Facebook following the club’s 21-12 defeat to Hull FC last Friday evening – responding to a post asking members: “Who is worse, Toby or George King? You decide?”

Cllr Morgan, posted using his personal facebook account, displaying his council member photograph ‘it’s a pity that their parents ever met’ and ‘they remind me of their Chinese counterparts FU and WAN’.

His comments followed two other incidents when he asked Warrington born DJ Chris Evans to donate part of his salary to the “more needy” in the town and an outburst live on social media while accepting a petition from a four-year-old boy, relating to development plans across the town

Following his latest comments outraged fans contacted warrington-worldwide with the following comments:

“I think you might already be aware of this but I wanted to see if there is anything you can do regarding Les Morgans comments about the King brothers, I think it is exceptionally unprofessional for a person in a public position to make such comments on social media”

“I would like to make a complaint about our mayor Les Morgan and the personal attack he has made about two of Warrington Wolves Players Toby and George King he is representing our town and in personally attacking Rugby Players he is tarnishing our towns reputation and making himself look a fool and a judgemental person. I understand that this isnt the first time that he hasnt represented himself in a professional manner. He should think about his conduct as Mayor and should be so careful what he puts on social media. He has also tarnished his own reputation which might never recovery from”

“Not what you would expect of the Mayor of Warrington… joking or not in his position he shouldn’t be making such comments!!”

“I think there is a way of expressing an opinion about Warrington players even in a closed Facebook group. The mayor has made some disgraceful remarks and should apologise.”

Cllr. Morgan later apologised and the post was removed from Facebook.

After being inundated with complaints senior members of the Labour Group met to discuss the issue and it is understood Cllr Morgan was given the option to “fall on his sword” or be “sacked.”

One senior Cllr said: “It is clear he was becoming a major embarrassment to the town. We are aware of three incidents – I wonder how many others there were which haven’t been reported?

“The council needs to seriously review the way Mayor’s are elected. It needs to be a process whereby people have proved they are worthy of the post.”

Representing the Latchford West ward Councillor Morgan, aged 75, is a former trade union official who worked for the GMB union and also used to work as a club doorman. He is also a long-standing campaigner in the Warrington community who has a particular interest in protecting the most vulnerable residents. He was a founder member of St Werburgh’s community hub.

He enjoys most contact sports (particularly rugby league) and coarse fishing. He is a lifelong supporter of Warrington Wolves but says his greatest love is his family and home life.

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Cllr Les Morgan has today resigned from his position as Mayor of Warrington, with immediate effect.

“He will continue in his role as councillor for Latchford West.”

Former bouncer is new mayor who cares