Former Brighton and Hove council leader accused of wearing swastika
A former leader of Brighton and Hove City Council was accused of wearing a swastika to a meeting of the council this evening (Thursday 27 March).
Green councillor Ben Duncan tweeted: “Tory councillor Mary Mears appears to be wearing swastika motif on necklace at @BrightonHoveCC meeting. What’s that about? A #masonic thing?”
Tory councilor Mary Mears appears to be wearing Swastika motif on necklace at @BrightonHoveCC meeting. What’s that about? A #masonic thing?
— Ben Duncan (@KemptownBen) March 27, 2014
Councillor Mears raised the matter at the meeting, at Hove Town Hall, pointing out to Councillor Duncan that it was a St Bridget’s cross.
She added that his colleague, fellow Green councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, would have been able to explain what it was.
Councillor Mears has Irish family – and St Bridget is an Irish saint. Her cross is shaped like a sunwheel and was traditionally made from rushes or straw.
During a debate about the March for England, Councillor Graham Cox, a Conservative member, described the tweet as offensive.
Councillor Duncan tweeted later: “Gosh it’s easy to wind Tory councillors up here!”
Councillor Duncan later apologised to Councillor Mears for any offence that he had caused.
Gosh it’s easy to wind Tory councilors up here!
— Ben Duncan (@KemptownBen) March 27, 2014
