Welsh councillor Susan Davies made a vile remark about Black people during a council meeting and while she apologised for what she said, she insisted her comments were not racist
A Welsh councillor who was caught in a race row has apologised after her vile remarks during a meeting were exposed.
Susan Davies, who represents Craig-Y-Darren on Briton Ferry town council in Neath Port Talbot, shocked her fellow councillors when she said: “What are we going to do about all the Black people coming to Briton Ferry?” Ms Davies, a former teacher who has served on the council since around 1997, accepted making the remark but denied holding racist views. She said: “It wasn’t intended that way. I was just acting on several complaints I’d had. But it wasn’t intended against the Blacks as such.
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“It just came out wrong, definitely wrong, and I’m really upset about what I said. I would like to apologise to everybody about that.”
A complaint has been made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – and the Labour Party is investigating the matter, Wales Online reported. In a statement, the council said the language was “outdated, inappropriate, and does not reflect the values of Briton Ferry town council,”.
The council added: “We are taking this matter seriously and are reviewing appropriate next steps in line with our code of conduct and professional advice.”
Ms Davies said she did not believe there should be fewer Black people living in Briton Ferry but that she was simply raising a concern at the request of constituents. “I don’t think there are too many,” she added. “It’s just that other people do. If people ask you to bring things up that’s what the council is there for.”
She continued: “It’s just I was asked to bring it up by not just one person. But it was brought up at the wrong time and in the wrong way.” One resident of the town, who complained to the public services ombudsman over the “disgraceful” comment, called for Ms Davies to resign her “untenable” councillor role.
She told Wales Online: “Seeing someone supposed to be looking after the interests of our community spouting such hateful ignorance in an official council meeting is nothing short of horrifying. As part of a mixed-race family, who have made Briton Ferry our home, to hear this opinion is deeply offensive and hurtful.”
Labour councillor Colin Morgan, who represents Shelone Wood, described the comment as “unfortunate” and said that a councillor challenged Ms Davies but the conversation then moved on to other issues. Mr Morgan said he was “a bit surprised” to hear such a remark in a council meeting.
He said: “It’s the sort of comment I might hear when a councillor sits in a bar having a pint. But I don’t think she held that view at all.”
Mr Morgan said he believes Ms Davies should apologise but also should be allowed to remain on the council. A council spokesman said: “We do not tolerate language or behaviour that undermines the dignity of any individual or group regardless of intent. While we acknowledge that language evolves it is the responsibility of all public officials to use terms that are respectful and culturally appropriate.
“The town council is also reviewing its ongoing training and awareness efforts to ensure that all members understand their role in promoting equality and inclusion. We extend our sincere apologies to anyone who was offended or hurt by this comment.”