Apology from Reform councillor for ‘disgraceful’ comments

A Reform UK councillor has apologised for ‘racist and homophobic’ social media posts made before he was elected.

Dudley’s Cllr Caley Ashman faced severe criticism about using the phrase ‘goyslop’ which is widely regarded as anti-Semitic.

Cllr Ashman also posted comments described by Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger as ‘racist and homophobic’ which prompted Mr Ballinger to write to Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage, calling for him to take action against the Cradley North and Wollescote councillor.

During a full council meeting on November 2, during a debate on a new pledge setting standards of behaviour for councillors, Cllr Ashman said: “I acknowledge that some of the language I used was inappropriate and fell below the standards that people rightly expect from an elected representative.

“In particular, my use of the term ‘goyslop’ was in the context of internet slang referring to what I considered to be poor-quality television and film content.

“It was not intended as a derogatory reference to Jewish people or as an expression of anti-Semitism.

“With regard to the other comments and language highlighted, I accept that some were in very poor taste, inappropriate and should not have been posted or shared.

“I regret my choice of words and apologise unreservedly for any offence or hurt caused.”

Cllr Ashman added he was not seeking to excuse his ‘poor judgement’ and was grateful for the ‘faith and trust’ placed in him by voters.

He added: “I have reflected upon these historical posts and learned from them. I recognise that actions speak louder than words, and I intend to demonstrate through my continued conduct that I am worthy of the trust placed in me.”

Council leader, Cllr Patrick Harley called on group leaders to ‘take the temperature down’ and behave amicably with each other.

Liberal Democrat leader, Cllr Ryan Priest, agreed with Cllr Harley and praised Dudley’s Reform UK leader, Cllr Marco Longhi for demonstrating good leadership, but then launched an attack on Cllr Ashman’s past posts.

Cllr Priest said: “Reform UK selected a candidate whose social media remarks were littered with homophobic, racist and ableist remarks.

“I accept that member has apologised tonight and time will tell how sincere that apology is.

“I also accept the decision to accept that candidate was not one of the group but of the party more widely.”

Cllr Priest referred to the pledge on standards which he said asked councillors to take responsibility for decisions and put the interests of residents first.

He then went on to criticise Reform UK’s decision to put Cllr Ashman forward as a member of the council’s Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee.

He added: “I struggle to reconcile those commitments with the decision to appoint a councillor who went by the online name’**********’ using a disgusting slur about disabled people to a committee responsible for scrutinising the council’s work affecting disabled residents.

“That is a staggering lack of judgement and precisely the sort of decision this pledge asks us as political leaders to reflect on.”

Dudley Labour leader, Cllr Shaukat Ali, said: “It cannot be that once elected your beliefs and views change or disappear, if we are serious about these commitments there must be accountability.”

By Martyn Smith | Local Democracy Reporting Service