In recent years, the rise of social media has significantly changed the landscape of politics, providing a platform for politicians to connect with their constituents and share their views. However, it has also become a minefield, with several local councillors facing backlash due to their comments.

The most recent example is South Kesteven District Councillor Virginia Moran, who sparked a free speech debate this week due to her tweets concerning transgender and religious issues.

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Do councillors face the consequences for their actions? Does cancelling councillors make an impact? Here we take a look…

Councillor Virginia Moran, from South Kesteven District Council, faced criticism for a series of tweets concerning transgender and religious issues.

The tweets, which include responses to controversial accounts and personal views on school trips to mosques, have been deemed potentially discriminatory and not promoting equality, a violation of the council's code of conduct.

Despite the controversy, South Kesteven District Council clarified that no breach of the council's Code of Conduct has occurred as the tweets were from a private account and did not reference her role as a councillor.

Cllr Moran's Twitter profile. Image credit: LDRS.

Councillor Ian Stokes, also of South Kesteven District Council, representing the Peascliffe and Ridgeway ward, faced severe backlash after using a racial slur during a public meeting on YouTube in 2021.

The incident led to his suspension from the Conservative group and his resignation as vice chairman. Stokes' comments sparked a petition for his resignation and calls for mandatory equality and diversity training for councillors.

Despite the controversy, Stokes was reinstated to the Conservative party in April 2022 after making a formal apology and undertaking diversity training.

He then ran as a Conservative candidate in May's elections and was re-elected. Stokes' story highlights the potential consequences of inappropriate language and the importance of diversity training in public service.

Impacted councillors in Lincolnshire also include:

Councillor Mike Gilbert of Boston Borough Council, a representative of the Blue Revolution Party. He found himself at the centre of controversy due to Facebook posts that were perceived as Islamophobic.

The posts, which were made during the Qatar World Cup, were criticised for being "hateful speech" towards muslims. Gilbert, however, defended his comments, stating that he was highlighting aspects of Islamic doctrine that criminalise homosexuality and limit the rights of women.

The controversy resulted in Councillor Gilbert losing a vote for the mayoral role in Boston Borough Council. The National Secular Society (NSS) has since come to his defence, arguing that his criticism of Islam should not be automatically considered as hate speech.

The incident sparked a debate on free speech and the ability to criticise religion, highlighting the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs. It is understood arguments about the situation still bubble under the surface.

Councillor Roger Patterson from West Lindsey District Council was suspended from the Conservative party after tweeting that then-Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, "should be swinging from the gallows like Saddam Hussein".

Patterson, who was Chairman of Gainsborough Conservative Association at the time, later apologised for his tweet, describing it as "stupid" and "misinterpreted".

Despite the controversy, Patterson was reinstated to the Conservative party in November 2019 and was re-elected in May's local elections. His story serves as a reminder of the potential repercussions of inflammatory remarks on social media, even when made in jest or out of frustration.

In 2018, Boston Mayor Councillor Brian Rush faced controversy after making controversial comments about his political colleagues and Muslims entering the UK on Facebook. His remarks led to widespread calls for his resignation, and the Full Council voted in favour of his resignation at a meeting in Boston on February 12, 2018.

Councillor Rush's comments specifically targeted individuals such as Councillor Michael Brookes, accusing him of being submissive to Councillor Martin Hill, the leader of Lincolnshire County Council. He also criticised MP Matt Warman, suggesting that he should be sent back to London where he came from. Additionally, Councillor Rush liked and shared a Facebook post that made derogatory statements about muslims.

Despite the backlash, Councillor Rush refused to resign, claiming that people needed to be less sensitive and that his comments were part of the normal discourse in politics. However, the council took action by withdrawing his administrative support, including his mayoral car and staff, as part of cost-cutting measures implemented from April 2018 onwards.

Cllr Stephanie Dale, Lincolnshire's first transgender councillor, faced backlash after expressing her views on transgender legal issues on Twitter. The controversy began when she participated in a Twitter thread discussing proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act. In response to a question, Dale made a comment about people being pushed into a corner and lashing out, which was later taken out of context.

This comment led to a petition calling for her removal from office, accusing her of violating the Sleaford Town Council code of conduct. Dale argued that her comment was not directed at a specific individual but was addressing the broader argument. Although the town council did not uphold the petition, Dale decided to resign, citing a "hate campaign" against her.

Despite her resignation, Dale continues to be an active advocate for human rights, particularly transgender issues. She regularly consults on these matters and supports other marginalised communities.

SKDC's offices in Gratham's Savoy Cinema. Image credit: LDRS.

These stories highlight the potential pitfalls of social media for politicians, demonstrating the need for careful consideration before posting. They also underline the importance of equality and diversity training, as well as the need for a clear understanding of the potential impact of their words on their constituents and wider society.