Calls for 'thorough and objective' investigation into suspended councillor's tweet

A Liberal Democrat councillor says it is crucial that an investigation into a social media post by East Riding councillor Paul Nickerson is 'thorough and objective' and not simply a statement taken 'behind closed doors.'

Cllr Denis Healy, East Riding opposition Liberal Democrats deputy leader, said he was shocked at what he had seen online, but said that it is right that Cllr Nickerson's claim that his social media accounts were compromised are investigated.

Cllr Nickerson has been suspended by the Conservative group while he is investigated after a doctored picture of Jeremy Corbyn next to a car blown up in a recent terror attack in Liverpool appeared on his social media accounts.

The image shows a burning taxi with the former Labour leader holding a wreath superimposed into the scene.

Cllr Healy said the posts were 'disrespectful on so many levels' and that people were rightly outraged:

"This is not the kind of behaviour that we should expect and there are many people who feel he has let a lot of people down, including the people of Beverley, and that he should resign - and if he did it then he should.

"But I do think we owe it to him to have this investigation. However it should be a proper technical investigation, probably involving experts and the social media companies. There needs to be objectivity and it needs to be done properly", he said.

Cllr Nickerson has said that some of his social media accounts on his phone were compromised without his knowledge.

In a statement he added: "Unauthorised posts were deleted as soon as I could but this particular message and a few others were re-posted to a larger group of social media users who continued to comment on it. As soon as I was able I deleted the comments.

"However I take full responsibility for the crass and inappropriate tweet and unreservedly apologise to the people who were understandably offended by that content – we should all work closely for a decent and respectful dialogue and cross party approach to solving people’s issues which if you review my online output you will see I try to consistently do.

"The Conservative group at county hall have rightly suspended me due to a complaint and are investigating this matter and I will cooperate fully.

"I remain a councillor and will be working hard in my ward over the coming days supporting local residents.”

David Kirlew-Morris, the Communications & Social Media Officer for the Beverley & Holderness Constituency Labour Party, also said he hopes the investigation does not sweep the issue under the carpet.

Mr Kirlew-Morris said: "We should expect professionalism from public officials and these posts should be roundly condemned. Many people don't believe his explanation of what happened so I hope this is looked into in detail.

"We live in a time where there is already widespread distrust in many politicians and this sort of incident only makes that worse. Some people in politics do not pay enough attention to the influence of social media in that it can reach an awful lot of people. So I also hope this investigation looks at social media policies at the council and ultimately leads to improvements."

Announcing Paul Nickerson's suspension, the Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Jonathan Owen said: “All people in public life, irrespective of politics, should be united in condemning the terrorist attack that took place outside the Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Remembrance Sunday.

“It is not the time for inappropriate remarks, however intended, and they will not be tolerated in this Conservative Group."