A former Tory Cllr. at Culcheth, Croft & Glazebury, who resigned from the party citing a change in family commitments, has been suspended following an allegation of antisemitism.
Sue Mitchell, who continues to strenuously deny the allegations, was suspended after the Conservative Party upheld the decision following an independent investigation.
A Conservative Spokesperson said: “Parish Cllr Sue Mitchell was suspended from the Conservative Party following an allegation of antisemitism which was upheld by the Party’s disciplinary board following an investigation by an independent panel.”
“Cllr Mitchell has since resigned her membership of the Party.”
At the time she announced she was standing down she said: “A change in family commitments means I will no longer have time to carry out Councillor duties. To that end I think it’s only fair to let someone with more time step into the role. I’ve met many lovely people along the way and l wish to share my gratitude to all who have supported me, from the campaign days and throughout.”
When approached about the Tory HQ statement she added: “I am aware of the allegation, which I strenuously deny. To date, the Conservative Party has not informed me of an outcome and my decision to step down was, as I stated previously, purely based on new family commitments which I could not have foreseen at the time of election.”
Commenting on the announcement Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said: “Antisemitism should have no place in our politics and I’m glad that the Conservative Party have on this occasion taken action. All political representatives, of all parties and none, have a duty to ensure we tackle rather than perpetuate anti-Jewish bigotry and discrimination wherever it raises its head.”
It isn’t the first time the former councillor has been the subject of controversy over social media posts.
Last November former Warrington Borough Council Leader Russ Bowden fired a broadside at local Conservatives following an abusive tweet posted ahead of the parish by-elections in Culcheth & Glazebury and Croft.
Following the news Culcheth resident Sue Mitchell was the Conservative candidate for both by-elections, the former Labour leader, who who had himself resigned from his role citing online abuse as one of the reasons, took to twitter posting: “Incredible to think that One Warrington (Warrington Conservatives) judge this woman fit to even represent “them,” let alone the good people of Culcheth, Glazebury & Croft. Are there really no depths that they won’t plumb?”
Meanwhile, independent local Cllr Neil Johnson is now calling for by-elections to be held.
He said: “Sue Mitchell’s resignation throws the Parish Council into further farce. She was only elected last November!
“In that time, she has proven to be a totally unsuitable councillor. I have previously questioned her social media conduct, her outrageous statements, and there have been complaints from members of the public about her behaviour. It has been frankly disgraceful to witness.
“Her Facebook page has been deactivated immediately. I suspect, in the end, she did not go willingly.
“We are now faced with two more vacancies, one in Culcheth and one in Croft. There will be an additional cost to the taxpayer if we have by-elections, which we almost certainly will.
“All this proves is that both Labour and the Conservatives are at sixes and sevens. We need strong and stable independent voices representing our community at every level.”
He added: “Residents have until 6th August if they wish to call an election. Anyone who wants to do so will need to collect ten signatures from people who live in the Parish ward.
If no election is called, the vacancies will be filled by co-option meaning that existing Parish Councillors will have the final say.
“I firmly believe that the good people of Culcheth and Croft should decide who represents them and that elections in both areas should be called. I hope that independent-minded people, who want to work in the best interests of the village, will consider putting themselves forward.”
One of Sue Mitchells “offensive” social media posts
