INDEPENDENT Lymm South Councillor Graham Gowland has issued an update for residents following the conclusion of an initial assessment by Warrington Borough Council’s Monitoring Officer regarding a complaint about Halal meat comments made on his personal Facebook account.
The Monitoring Officer has confirmed that the discussion took place entirely in a private capacity. Cllr Gowland’s personal account does not reference his elected role, he did not act or give the impression of acting as a councillor, and no council information was used or disclosed. As a result, the matter falls outside the Councillor Code of Conduct, and no further action will be taken.
Cllr Gowland explained some of the context behind the online exchange: “The original discussion was about halal meat, which is a topic that understandably raises questions for some people. There is often confusion about what halal involves, so it’s worth sharing the facts. In the UK the majority of halal meat is actually pre‑stunned, just like other commercially‑sold meat. One of the reasons some meat is produced to halal standards is because the UK exports significant quantities of mutton and chicken to the Middle East and North Africa. We produce more of certain meats than we consume domestically, and certification helps support a valuable export market for farmers.”
He added: “During that conversation I felt it was important to respond when comments risked creating misunderstandings or unfair perceptions of local restaurants. Whether I am acting as a councillor or simply as a resident, I will always challenge prejudice and discriminatory attitudes. It’s something I believe in strongly. As a councillor, I do so in a measured and responsible way; as a private individual I may sometimes express myself more robustly — but the principle remains the same.”
Cllr Gowland said he is sharing the update to ensure clarity and transparency for residents and to help keep community discussions rooted in respectful dialogue and accurate information.
“I’m grateful to the Monitoring Officer for the clarity of the assessment, and I remain focused fully on serving Lymm and supporting the issues that matter to residents.”
