A Conservative county councillor has been suspended with immediate effect after pictures emerged which appear to show him at a rally as part of an openly-fascist group.
Cllr Andy Weatherhead, who was voted to represent Hythe West in May 2021, is said to have been a senior officer for the far-right New British Union (NBU), according to campaigners at Hope Not Hate.
Hope Not Hate published a picture yesterday which they say shows Cllr Weatherhead at the NBU’s inaugural conference in October 2013. The photo includes symbolism such as a lightning bolt within a circle. This symbol was used by the British Union of Fascists – also known as the Blackshirts.
Cllr Weatherhead was also pictured in similar uniform in November 2013 when he was snapped at a rally outside the Greek Embassy in London.
Councillors should be people who seek to unite not divide communities
Kent Tory party whip Cllr Dylan Jeffrey confirmed that Cllr Weatherhead has been suspended from the Conservative group and by the national party.
Cllr Jeffrey confirmed an inquiry was underway into the allegations and to establish whether he had breached any party rules. If the claims are found to be true, it is likely that he will be expelled.
The investigation into Cllr Weatherhead is expected to be conducted jointly by the county council Conservative group and the national party board.
