Reform councillors face backlash over posing with ‘I would rather vote for Jimmy Savile’ banner in Makerfield by-election campaign
Wigan Council said it has received ‘a significant number of complaints’ about the banner
Reform councillors are facing a backlash and have received “a significant number of complaints” after posing with a banner that said “I would rather vote for Jimmy Savile than Labour” while campaigning in Makerfield.
The photo shows two newly-elected Reform councillors in Wigan, Gemma Painter and Lillian Rogers holding ‘I’m voting Rob Kenyon’ signs and smiling while posing with a man holding the Jimmy Savile banner.
Savile, who died in 2011, was uncovered as one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders, who abused hundreds of women and children in schools and hospitals throughout his life.
Painter, who originally posted the image, appears to have deleted her Facebook profile since the post was spotted by Reform Party UK Exposed.
As reported by LBC, Wigan Council said: “We have received a significant number of complaints in relation to this matter.”
“As with any complaints received regarding elected members, they will be considered under the council’s mandatory Code of Conduct and its procedure.”
A statement from Cllr Paul Watson, Reform UK Group Leader at Wigan Council, said: I can confirm that Wigan Council’s legal team is currently conducting a thorough investigation into this matter. As such, we are not in a position to comment further until the process has been completed.”
Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward
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