A panel of inquiry set up to investigate if comments made on social media by Ben Duncan, a Green Councillor for Queens Park were appropriate, has ruled his comments brought himself and colleagues into disrepute.
On Armed Forces Day, Saturday June 28, Councillor Duncan tweeted: “Armed Forces Day has certainly brought the hired killers onto the streets of Brighton today. Hard to explain to my son!”
Following an angry backlash, Cllr Duncan apologised saying his comments had been taken out of context.
Lisa Murray, Chair of Brighton and Hove Green Party, said: “The panel of inquiry has concluded that Councillor Ben Duncan should no longer serve as a member of the Green Group of Councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council. This follows his recent statement on Twitter concerning the armed forces which understandably offended many both within and outside the party.
“The panel concluded that since this recent incident follows a history of making comments in social media that many would view as inappropriate for someone in such a position, taken as a whole, Councillor Duncan’s actions amount to a breach of standards and judgement expected of a Green councillor, bringing himself and colleagues into disrepute.
“Councillor Duncan’s removal from the Green Group is for the remaining council term.
“From this point Councillor Duncan will not participate in votes or discussions in the Green Group or be involved in any decisions of the Group and will sit as an independent councillor and not be counted as a part of the Group.
“Any further investigation is beyond the remit of this disciplinary panel. We thank Councillor Duncan for the contribution he has made while a member of the Group.”
Cllr Warren Morgan, Leader of Labour and cooperative, responded saying: “Ben Duncan was elected as a Green and they cannot just wash their hands of responsibility. The right thing for them to do would be to have him resign immediately. It is wrong that he continue to be paid as a councillor until next May.”
Caroline Lucas MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “What he did was completely unacceptable and it made his position untenable.”
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