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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Sam Elliott-Gibbs & Melissa Sigodo

Tory politician claims all white men should have black slaves in racist outburst

A Tory politician is being investigated by party chiefs after allegedly saying: "All white men should have a black man as a slave".

County councillor Andrew Edwards is also accused of saying black people were of "lower class" than whites and has refused to deny the claims.

The allegations emerged after an audio recording appeared online and was identified as Mr Edwards' voice.

The Pembrokeshire County councillor - who also sat as a magistrate until he resigned in July last year - said he had referred himself to ombudsmen and left the party.

The Conservatives confirmed it was investigating the allegations and that self-employed hairdresser Mr Edwards had not yet been suspended.

On the recording, the speaker says: "Nothing wrong with the skin colour at all.

He is accused of saying black people were of "lower class" than whites (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

"I think all white men should have a black man as a slave or black woman as a slave, you know.

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

It is unclear when or where the 16-second clip was recorded.

National UK Black civil rights group Black Equity Organisation (BEO) has 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."

Mr Edwards, who represents the Haverfordwest Prendergast ward, said: "I am aware of such serious allegations being made against me.

"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."

Dr Wanda Wyporska, Chief Executive of Black Equity Organisation says that action needs to be taken (Black Equity Organisation)

The ombudsman's office confirmed it had received Mr Edwards' self-referral.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire council said: "We are aware of an allegation being made and have referred the matter to the ombudsman. It would be inappropriate to comment further."

The council's Conservative group leader, Di Clements, said Mr Edwards left the party group on the council on Tuesday but would not comment further until the ombudsman's report.

She said: "These are extremely serious allegations. It has been mutually agreed that Cllr Edwards will leave the group while the matter is under investigation."

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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