Hasland councillor suspended from Chesterfield Labour Group over anti-semitic Facebook post

A councillor has been suspended from Chesterfield Labour Group after he '˜unintentionally' shared an anti-semitic post on his personal Facebook page.
The latest from our newsroom.The latest from our newsroom.
The latest from our newsroom.

Andy Slack, who represents Hasland on Chesterfield Borough Council, has apologised for sharing the internet meme claiming ‘Israel was created by the Rothschilds, not God’. It also featured a picture of a hook-nosed IDF soldier with a bloody mouth, according to the Guido Fakwes blog.

Mr Slack said: “I wish to apologise for an offensive post which I shared for a short time without properly reading the content, especially anyone of the Jewish faith.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I also apologise to my Labour Party colleagues and point out that it had no connection with any organisation which I am a member.

“I support Palestinians in occupied Gaza but am in no way opposed to Jewish people.”

He added: “I removed the post after a few hours about three weeks ago when someone pointed out what I had unintentionally posted.”

A Chesterfield Labour Group spokesman added: “The leader, deputy leader and chief whip have interviewed Coun Slack immediately after being alerted to his Facebook post, dated September 30.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Following the interview and Coun Slack’s apology which has now been posted and made available to the press, we have immediately suspended Coun Slack from the group pending further enquiries.

“Our actions have been reported to the East Midlands Regional Labour Party office and their actions continue.”

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “We were not aware of the post which was shared by Coun Slack on his personal Facebook page.

“Chesterfield Borough Council has a strong commitment to equalities and diversity and takes very seriously the matter that has been brought to our attention today.

“An investigation into Coun Slack’s conduct will begin immediately.”