Councillor issues apology following social media post and racism remarks that may have misled residents.

St Edwards ward Councillor David Taylor has issued a public apology to fellow Havering Councillors Graham Williamson and Natasha Summers following comments made about a licensing committee meeting last week.

On May 19th, Councillor Taylor posted on social media with regards to the licensing committee and stated: “I was horrified to hear of racist abuse received by a resident.”

He added:”My post was, in no way, intended to accuse Councillors Williamson or Summers of racism.

In response to a comment, I replied that I have no evidence that any Councillor was racist to [the applicant].

I apologise to Councillors Williamson and Summers for any distress that my post may have caused them. I have no reason to believe that either of them are racist and I am saddened that it was read as such. I believe them both to be fantastic councillors and, specifically, I have looked up to Councillor Williamson in his role as Cabinet Member for Regeneration. I admire their commitment to their communities and believe that they carry our their roles as well as any Councillor is able to.

Their residents are fortunate to have them as their representatives.”

Councillor Taylor went on to say: “Racism is alive and well in Havering, we must fight it. It is not good enough to not be racist. We must be anti-racist. In my passion to be so, I may have mislead residents.

Similarly, I have no reason to believe that anyone at Havering Council or licensing were or are racist.

I ask for your grace in this matter and shall be more mindful of similar posts in the future, adding clarity in the main body of the post.”

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