Councillor apologises eight months after posting abusive tweet about MP

Wolverhampton councillor Paul Sweet told Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson to "f*** off b***h" in a tweet accompanied by a crying emoji that was posted in February.

The Bushbury South and Low Hill councillor, who is chair of the city's scrutiny board, has now publicly apologised for the first time and has put himself forward for equalities training.

Ms Stevenson, who was a councillor in Tettenhall Wightwick until March, said the abuse of politicians was putting people off from standing for public office, especially women.

Councillor Sweet apologised via Twitter. He wrote: "In February 2020 I posted a tweet that was inappropriate, rude and contrary to my own beliefs and those of the council in equalities.

"I have personally apologised to the person concerned and I regret my actions. I repeat that apology here and I also apologise to anyone else who my tweet offended.

"I have voluntarily agreed to undergo additional equalities training. I do not intend to make any further comment."

Ms Stevenson told the Express & Star: "I want people from all walks of life to get involved in politics, both locally and nationally.

"We know that many people who would make fantastic contributions are put off when they see the abuse aimed at politicians.

"Women are especially likely to be put off standing as councillors or MPs, which leads to their voices being underrepresented.

"We need to send a clear message that abuse has no place in politics – it doesn't add to the debate or solve problems.

"I don't want to comment in detail on this incident, or on the lack of response from the Labour Party or the council standards department.

"I would however like to thank all the people who sent me messages of support."

In February Councillor Simon Bennett lodged a complaint with Wolverhampton Council's director of governance David Pattison against Councillor Sweet for publishing "an obscene tweet to an elected official on social media".

He also also made a formal complaint against the authority's leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, over the matter.

It came after Councillor Brookfield shared a screenshot of an offensive tweet allegedly sent by Councillor Bennett, which Councillor Bennett claimed was "clearly photo-shopped or created on a tweet generator by a troll account".

Merry Hill councillor Mr Bennett said the issue should have been dealt with sooner. "I don't know why this has taken so long and there has still been no apology from the council leader," he said.

Wolverhampton Council has refused to confirm the status of the complaints.

Tim Clark, a spokesman for the authority, said: "We will not be providing any further comment on this matter."