Calderdale councillor criticises council leaders' actions supporting Black Lives Matter movement

Calderdale councillor Sophie Whittaker (Con, Rastrick) is highly critical of the BLM movement and the council’s recent support of it in a statement issued to the media.

Coun Whittaker, daughter of Calder Valley Conservative MP Craig Whittaker, says: “If you accept ‘Black Lives Matter the statement (something which is undeniable), they argue, you must accept ‘Black Lives Matter’ the movement and all that entails.”

She has called on the council’s Chief Executive Robin Tuddenham and its Leader Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) to say they were wrong to support the BLM movement, which she claims is Marxist, and says the council should distance itself from it.

Calderdale Council illuminated Calderdale landmark Wainhouse Tower by lighting it up purple in support of BLM last month and Mr Tuddenham wrote to staff about related issues, said Coun Whittaker.

She criticised BLM protests nationally referencing tearing down of statues, defacing of public property including the Cenotaph in London and says protesters ignored public health advice during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Coun Whittaker said: “Wainhouse Tower was illuminated purple in support for the BLM protests, despite the council having advised the rest of us to obey the lockdown and to avoid non-essential travel.

“The Chief Exec wrote to staff members openly flagellating himself for not doing better on racial equality, pointing out systematic racism and for not listening to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) voices within the council.

“If the council, like all other systems within the country is systematically racist, then does that make him the chief architect? Conspicuously absent was his resignation for being part of the supposed and intentional racist system he identified,” said Coun Whittaker.

Coun Whittaker said there was “no acknowledgement by the Labour-run council that the protesters across the country were ignoring the public health information given to keep us all safe from COVID-19, which we know now may disproportionately affect those in the BAME community.”

Mr Tuddenham and Coun Swift have defended their and the council’s actions.

Mr Tuddenham said: “Leadership is about being open, listening, taking ownership, having integrity, and most importantly, showing humility.

“The murder of George Floyd caused reverberations across the world, and has galvanised a social movement for change, particularly amongst our brilliant, inspiring young people.

“I was aware that the event caused hurt and anguish amongst our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and communities.

“I wrote a letter stating I understand I cannot understand, however I stand with you.

“Calderdale Council has done a lot of work over the past two years to address this issue, has made progress with our workforce, and in work with our communities. But in my leadership role in Calderdale, I recognised I needed to do more and made a commitment to this.

“The letter has had by far the biggest response to any communication I have ever sent.

“From BAME colleagues sharing their thoughts and experiences, to white colleagues expressing support and seeking to be an ally.

“With many responses coming from outside the council, from school, business and community leaders.

“We have not always got things right in the past. Mistakes will happen again. But I am proud of our determination in Calderdale to do our best to challenge systemic racism, to be kind, create opportunity, instil hope, and seek to build a better future out of this terrible pandemic.”

Coun Swift said as a council Calderdale stood united in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

“And we are not alone in this. Across our region, our country and across the globe we have seen support for this movement; our neighbouring local authorities, the business community and our sports community have backed this call for change.

“I am proud that Calderdale has always been a safe and welcoming place with many diverse and vibrant communities and we oppose any discrimination, hate speech or racially motivated activity.

“I would urge anyone, who wants to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, to make their voice heard and to do so in a peaceful constructive way.”

Conservative Group Leader on the council, Coun Steven Leigh (Ryburn) said Coun Whittaker had written an opinion piece expressing her own views.