Conservative Councillor must stand down following alleged ‘rape comments’
Solihull Lib Dems call for Councillor Gibbin to stand down from all Council duties
Public statement following 'unacceptable and deeply offensive' comments on Solihull Round Table WhatsApp group.
The Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats have issued a public statement following the allegation that Conservative Councillor Daniel Gibbin (Olton) joked about women bring raped in a Solihull Round Table WhatsApp group.
The statement from the Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats read:
“Solihull Liberal Democrats are deeply concerned and saddened by the alleged messages about women being raped, claimed to be sent by from Conservative Councillor Gibbin’s phone. Any behaviour that trivializes sexual violence or assault against women is unacceptable and deeply offensive.
“We understand that the local Conservative Party have suspended Councillor Gibbin. However, we are disappointed to see that he is still being shown on the Solihull Council web site as 'Chairman of the Children's Services, Education & Skills Scrutiny Board'.
“It is essential that elected officials demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and conduct and we feel it is inappropriate for a councillor to hold public office while these allegations are in place.
“Therefore, we call on Councillor Gibbin to stand down, with immediate effect, from all Council duties, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
“Liberal Democrats stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and assault. We will work to ensure that the issue is taken seriously and addressed appropriately. There is no place in our society for such misogynistic behaviour. We must all work together to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone”.
