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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Kieren Williams

Recording emerges of Tory's racist rant about black people that has sparked fury

A horrific recording has emerged of a Tory politician’s racist rant about black people which has sparked fury.

Pembrokeshire county councillor Andrew Edwards is accused of saying "all white men should have a black man as a slave" and black people were of "lower class" than white people.

Allegations were levelled against him after the shocking recording surfaced online.

In it, the Conservative councillor heard saying: “Nothing wrong with skin colour at all, I think all white men should have a black man as a slave, or a black woman as a slave.

“There's nothing wrong with skin colour, it's just that they're lower class than us white people.”

It isn't clear where the recording was made.

In response to accusations he had made the vile rant, Mr Edwards said: "I am aware of such serious allegations being made against me.

County councillor Andrew Edwards (WALES NEWS SERVICE)
The Tory politician accused of making horrific racist remarks (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

"This is why I have self-referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for an independent evaluation.

"It is now in the hands of legal experts and the Ombudsman.

"It would be unfair on the process for me to comment now."

Mr Edwards was also a magistrate but he resigned from the post last year.

National UK Black civil rights group Black Equity Organisation (BEO) hit out at the alleged statement made by the councillor.

The group recently sent legal papers to the Home Secretary on the fifth anniversary of the horrendous failings - which saw thousands of British citizens deported and denied access to healthcare - coming to light.

Chief Executive Dr Wanda Wyporska said: "This is truly shocking to hear from anyone in this day and age, let alone an elected representative and county councillor.

"We have to ask if this is the first time he has expressed such racist views? Action clearly needs to be taken."

Leader of the Conservative group on Pembrokeshire County council Di Clements said: "I was made aware of the allegation and spoke with Cllr Edwards. He then self-referred to the Ombudsman.

"Considering the nature of the allegations he withdrew from the Conservative group on PCC this morning.

"There will be no further comment until the outcome of the Ombudsman's investigation."

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: "We are aware of an allegation being made and have referred the matter to the Ombudsman. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

The Labour group said: "The views contained within this recording are disgusting."

A spokesperson added: "Racism has absolutely no place in our society, let alone in the views expressed by an elected member on Pembrokeshire County Council."

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