A COUNCILLOR is set to be hauled in front of a standards committee after posting a "prejudicial" tweet about the role Argentina played in the Falklands War.

As part of a Twitter conversation on July 27, Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for public safety, wrote: “You have to fly to ascension island as the dirty argies, have a air ban (sic). It’s about 6k for the flight as well.”

Halstead Gazette:

Despite a public apology the following day, the Labour member was reported to council bosses and will appear before the authority's governance committee. 

The complaint was made by Conservative councillor Beverly Davies, who represents Prettygate.

In a submission to the commitee, Mrs Davies said Mr Lilley's tweet showed a "deep-seated prejudice".

She added "All councillors should be aware of their own natural prejudices – most people have them.

"But councillors should also have the emotional intelligence to recognise their own natural prejudices and be able to deal with them in an appropriate way.

"Whilst I think Cllr Lilley is a good ward councillor and a decent person, I do not feel that it is realistic for him to continue as portfolio holder for public safety."

Mr Lilley posted two apologies. 

One stated: “Sorry if my remark gave offence I guess in the invasion of my mums (sic) homeland when my great aunt was killed I forgot my place.”

Halstead Gazette:

There was a further tweet, which stated: “Hi I apologise for my remark I made it was unacceptable so sorry if it gave offense (sic). My family suffered so its still close to my heart.”

In a response to the complaint, Mr Lilley said: "I would like to start by offering my deepest apologies to anyone and everyone I may have offended by my comments on Twitter regarding a conversation about flying to the Falkland Islands.

"It was never my intention to offend anyone and I am sorry for the upset it has caused. I didn't think about what I wrote it just came out and for that I apologise.

"I made a stupid remark and will accept what the committee decide, I am disappointed to be before the committee as I’m not a bad person, I am proud to have helped so many people as a councillor especially helping a homeless person find a place to live.

"It made me glad to have done a good job.

"Sorry to have wasted all your time due to my stupid tweet.

"I have deleted my account and will never go back as it’s now a horrible place full of nasty trolls who love it when you make a human error which I’m paying for.

"I’m not perfect, I made a mistake and once again I am so sorry for offending anyone.”

The committee will meet on September 19.