Greens suspend councillor over ‘hired killers’ tweet

Green councillor Ben Duncan has been suspended from the Green group of councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council by his party.

His suspension follows a panel of inquiry by the party after Councillor Duncan, who represents Queen’s Park ward, described soldiers as “hired killers” in a tweet on Armed Forces Day.

He had already suspended his membership of the Green group himself.

The party said: “Following a highly controversial comment on Twitter on (Saturday) 28 June by Councillor Ben Duncan on the armed forces, a panel of inquiry was set up by the local party to investigate whether this and some other comments by Councillor Duncan in social media were appropriate for a person in his position and especially to determine whether he brought himself and colleagues into disrepute.”

Lisa Murray, who chairs the 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.

Councillor Ben Duncan

“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.”

Labour group leader Councillor Warren Morgan said: “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.”