Alliance has called for an investigation after the Britain First deputy leader was videoed in the Lord Mayor’s chair in City Hall criticising charges brought against her for alleged hate speeches.
The video, showing Jayda Fransen in Councillor robes in the chamber, appeared on social media after she had been to court relating to charges over comments she made at a rally here last year. It is understood the visit was facilitated by Councillor Jolene Bunting.
“Councillor Bunting does her constituents and the people of the entire city a disservice in facilitating this visit. People here do not want their community linked to fascists and have rejected them time and again. Their views are not reflective of the vast majority of people here and who we are as a city,” said Alliance Councillor Sian O’Neill.
“This video disrespects an office which all parties on the Council have sought to undertake in as inclusive a manner as possible. It is an abuse by Councillor Bunting of her privilege to access the robes, the chamber and the Lord Mayor’s chair to create a false perception of a link between the Council and Britain First, and Alliance has contacted the Chief Executive to investigate it.
“Normally when Councillors bring visitors on a tour of City Hall, it is a positive experience designed to make people feel more included in the workings of the city and proud of it. This behaviour is in direct contrast to that, being deliberately designed to alienate large sections of our community and create division. Councillor Bunting is doing nothing but bringing shame on herself and the Council.”