Mayor of Redditch apologises for historic social media posts

Cllr Susan Eacock issued the apology at the full meeting of Redditch Borough Council that took place on Monday (June 29) at Oakenshaw Community Centre.

The apology comes after screenshots of the alleged posts, which are no longer available to view, have been circulated, and a recent change.org petition called for Cllr Eacock to step down from her position as Mayor of Redditch, and from her roles as councillor for Headless Cross & Oakenshaw on Redditch Borough Council and county councillor for Redditch South on Worcestershire County Council.

It also comes after Cllr Eacock was asked by Mr T. Briton Fletcher, a director of Redditch Pride CIC, at the meeting to explain why residents in Redditch who felt targeted or excluded by her posts should have confidence in her ability to represent them impartially.

In her answer to this question, Cllr Eacock said that she was sorry for any 'hurt or offence' that had been caused by the posts and asserted that she works for 'every part' of the Redditch community.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Eacock said: "I understand that some of my historic social media posts have caused concern and that they may have upset or offended people in our community.

"I am sorry that they have caused hurt or offence to anyone, and I want to respond to you honestly.

"These posts were written some years ago, before I entered politics, when I was doing grassroots community work and during a personally difficult period following the loss of my husband.

"That is not an excuse, but it is part of the context, and I accept that I was not as careful with my words as I should have been.

"Coming into public office has been a steep learning curve. I understand now, in a way I perhaps did not fully appreciate before, how much words matter and how they can land with people.

"It is something I have reflected on and will continue to learn from.

"As a councillor, and now as mayor of Redditch, I work for every part of our community, just as I always have.

"Throughout my working life, I have lived and worked in diverse, multicultural communities, and I have always tried to treat everyone with respect and dignity, whatever their background, faith, race, gender, or sexuality.

"If any of my posts gave a different impression, I am sorry for that, because it is not who I am, nor how I serve, or how I wish to be.

"If any individual or community would welcome it, I would be glad to meet, to listen, and to build bridges; my door is genuinely open, and I would value that conversation. "

At the meeting, Redditch Borough Council leader, Cllr Matt Dormer, was also asked by Cllr Monica Stringfellow to 'condemn' the mayor's 'divisive' past remarks and outline the steps he will take to reassure the town's diverse community.

Cllr Dormer said: "I unequivocally condemn racism, antisemitism, homophobia, and discrimination in all their forms.

"They have no place in our society, in our communities, or in public life.

"As leader of the council, I want to make it absolutely clear that Redditch Borough Council is here to serve every resident equally and fairly, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, sex, or sexual orientation.

"That commitment is unwavering and will continue to guide this administration."