Conservative councillor suspended after suggesting travellers should be 'executed'
Windsor and Maidenhead Conservative Party confirmed they will suspend Alan Mellins over the remarks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Conservative councillor has been suspended over remarks suggesting that travellers should be “executed”.
Alan Mellins, a Tory councillor for Windsor and Maidenhead, made the “ill judged” remark at a local council panel meeting at the beginning of the week.
He has since apologised for the remarks and offence caused.
The borough’s Conservative Party has called the comment “deplorable” and one that was “not tolerated” by any party, in remarks quoted by the BBC.
David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead Conservative Party leader, said the comment was “being taken extremely seriously”.
Cllr Mellins, who chairs the Visitor Management Forum and Leisure Culture and Libraries Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Windsor Council, was asked on Monday what could be done to speed up the process evicting travellers during a planning panel meeting and allegedly responded: “execute them.”
The Cox Green councillor said to the Maidenhead Advertiser shortly after the event: “The remark was an ill judged remark, which I did not intend to be taken seriously. It doesn't reflect my views."
Cllr Mellins continued: "I do not have any prejudices. I do not consider myself to have any anyway."
The councillor has been suspended from the party and from his council positions pending further investigation.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments