A Welsh council’s cabinet member for language has been ‘severely reprimanded’ after using racially offensive language at a town hall meeting.
Cllr Myfanwy Alexander of Powys County Council used the n-word during a debate about health services in England.
The Shropshire Star quoted her as saying: ‘We are treated like n*****s over the border. Our language and culture is trampled on and it’s a very sensitive issue. It’s not our fault that we don’t have a district general hospital to go to.’
The council has referred the issue to the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales.
Alexander told BBC Wales: ‘I apologise and accept the reprimand.’
‘I was quoting from I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings where a black character is refused dental treatment.
‘I've not considered resigning from the cabinet because I was campaigning on a very important issue.
‘If I'd used the word because I was racist and my mask had slipped I'd have to resign.
‘But people who know me will know it was a careless word.
‘You should resign for an attitude, not a word,’ she added.
Council leader, Cllr Barry Thomas, said: ‘I have severely reprimanded Cllr Alexander and referred her for equalities training. I have also referred the matter to the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales.’
‘Cllr Alexander apologised for her use of the word and told me the reason she had used the particular word was because she was referring to Maya Anjelou’s description of unfair health treatment in the Southern States of America and that no offence was intended.
‘She said she used the vivid language as a way of fighting prejudice and unequal treatment.’
