Plymouth Tory councillor suspended over social media post
Cllr Mark Deacon faced criticism over his post about the 6pm curfew for men, a suggestion made following the disappearance of Sarah Everard
A Conservative counsellor from Plymouth has been suspended following a post he shared on Facebook.
Cllr Mark Deacon posted an image of himself wearing a wig and a dress, in light of recent suggestions for men to be given a 18.00pm curfew.
The proposal came from Baroness Jenny Jones following the disappearance of Sarah Everard in south London.
Cllr Deacon, for Southway, posted the picture alongside the message: "If the Green Party and some Labour Party politicians get their way and impose this ridiculous 6pm curfew on men, then I'm going to wear my dress more often."
The post was met with a lot of criticism. With Labour's Charlotte Holloway calling for him to remove it and apologise.
At the time she wrote to him saying:
"I am writing to ask that you urgently delete your post and apologise for mocking the pain and hurt felt by many women after the events of this week. I have sat and spoken with Southway residents who have been the victims of assault and domestic abuse. Their stories would make a decent person weep. Put yourself in their shoes for just one second and understand what it means to them for a man in a leadership position to mock legitimate fear and pain."
"This isn’t about politics, it’s about what’s decent."
Following the post on social media, The Plymouth Conservative Council Group has decided to suspend Cllr Deacon - with an investigation set to take place into his actions.
"Following a social media post Cllr Mark Deacon made on his Facebook account on Saturday 13th March 2021 which generated lots of differing views being shared about men being subject to a 6pm curfew.
"The Plymouth Conservative Council Group decided the most appropriate course of action was to suspend Cllr Deacon for an investigation to take place into his actions. This investigation will be in accordance with our Group rules and shall commence as soon as possible.
"Cllr Deacon has removed his post and has made a public apology on his Facebook page for any offence he may have caused."
Cllr Nick Kelly - Leader of the Opposition
Since taking down the post, Cllr Deacon has issued a public apology on his Facebook:
"I wholeheartedly apologise for the comments that I made on a post this Saturday Afternoon. I didn't intend any offence that my comments might have caused to a section of the public.
"I have made a mistake, I hope residents can see in their heart that I never meant to cause offense to anybody. I am sure we have all posted things on Facebook that if we thought about it, we regret at a later date. I am not perfect, just a family man that works hard for the community."
There has been a mixed response since; with some accepting the apology, but many accusing him deleting comments.