Reform councillor apologises over social media post

A newly elected Reform UK councillor has apologised after posting on social media calling for the police to take action about "non white persons taking over" a town park.

Army veteran Ken Tranter, who was elected to the Aldershot South seat on Hampshire County Council, posted the remarks on Facebook after his election.

Following the criticism, Tranter deleted the post and said in a statement: "Referring to the group by skin colour was a poor choice that I deeply regret".

Hampshire County Council said it took any complaints against members "very seriously" and any that it may receive "would be dealt with in accordance".

Tranter, who previously served as a Dover District Councillor and as the elected Mayor of Dover, posted on Facebook: "Someone on an Aldershot Facebook site was concerned about non white persons taking over the Municipal Gardens and the strong pervading smell of cannabis.

"I promised, if elected I would speak to the police which I did. Their response was to say 'they were aware'.

"I don't want them to be aware, I want them to stop it and return the park to family use.

"Therefore I will write to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and demand action. Ken Tranter."

The comments provoked criticism online with one person posting: "Can you stop using non white as a label, it's thoroughly rude, offensive and not needed. Disgusted."

Following the criticism, Tranter deleted the post and said in a statement: "My recent post about cannabis smoking in the Municipal Gardens was wrong in its wording and has caused understandable offence.

"Referring to the group by skin colour was a poor choice that I deeply regret.

"It was clumsy, unnecessary, and open to misinterpretation as racist, and I take full responsibility for that.

"My intention was to highlight antisocial behaviour and the failure to address open drug use in the Municipal Gardens – something I pledged to tackle if elected, and which I continue to pursue. However, that does not excuse my sloppy language.

"I apologise for the offence caused and for any distress my words have inflicted.

"Racism has no place in our community or in my politics, and I condemn it in all its forms," he added.

Reform declined to comment further beyond sharing Tranter's statement.