Deputy council leader apologises for 'I despise Conservatives' comment
Wyre Forest District Council's deputy leader has apologised and withdrawn a Facebook comment which stated she "despised Conservatives".
Councillor Fran Oborski said in the social media post "I despise Conservatives" – but later changed it to "I deeply dislike the current national organisation and leadership of the Conservative Party”.
It has led to to an apology from the Liberal Democrat councillor – with the council's leader and Conservative leader condemning the post.
Councillor Oborski, who represents the Offmore and Comberton ward in Kidderminster, said: "I apologise unreservedly for using the word 'despise' when commenting on Facebook on how I feel about the current Conservative Government.
"I did not mean to imply that that description applied to any member of Wyre Forest Conservative Party.
"I have withdrawn the offensive word and apologise for any offence caused."
The Lib Dem councillor, who is responsible for economic regeneration, also represents the St Chad's ward in Kidderminster on Worcestershire County Council.
Inappropriate
Wyre Forest District Council leader Councillor Graham Ballinger said: "I welcome that the inappropriate comment has been withdrawn and that Councillor Oborski has apologised.
"The comment would not have been acceptable at any time but is even less so in the context of a national crisis when all political parties at national and local level are working together constructively on the response to the pandemic.”
Councillor Marcus Hart, leader of the Conservative group on the district council, said: "During these unprecedented times, all councillors should be working together cross party and putting aside political differences for the common good of our residents.
"On behalf of the Conservative group, I accept the apology for this offensive and unnecessary comment.
"All elected members should treat each other and other political parties with respect, including over social media, and not take actions that are inappropriate and divisive at this time."
It comes after Councillor Oborski apologised for a Facebook comment in 2016 after calling Stourport cafe bosses "moronic idiots" after she was covered in water as staff lowered a canopy.
