A Conservative councillor has been suspended following a racist tweet he made during the Eurovision song contest.
Nick Harrington made the offensive comments about Irish people after Ireland failed to give the UK’s entry any points during the competition.
He has now been suspended from the Conservative Group for six months, and the police are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
Warwick District Council said it apologised ‘unreservedly for the offence and upset’ caused by his comments.
Cllr Nick Harrington has been suspended by Cllr Andrew Mobbs, Leader of Warwick District Council, pending a full investigation (1/2)
— Warwick DC (@Warwick_DC) May 14, 2017
In a statement, Warwick District Council said it had received a ‘significant’ number of complaints about cllr Harrington’s tweet. However, it confirmed that the council has no power to suspend or dismiss him from his elected role.
The statement added: ‘The council has been advised that Councillor Harrington’s tweet is under investigation by Warwickshire Police as a potential hate crime. Consequently, the council will await the outcome of that investigation before it considers any further action.’
