Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox
Get our free View from Westminster email
Get our free View from Westminster email
Email*
SIGN UP
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read ourPrivacy notice
A Reform UK councillor has been suspended by the party pending investigation into alleged racist social media posts in relation to the ongoing row over the migrant hotel in Epping.
Following the Court of Appeal ruling that the rights of illegal migrants trump those of local residents allowing the Home Office to keep it open, concerns are mounting over comments which could exacerbate tensions.
James Regan, 61, who was elected to represent Ongar ward on Epping Forest District Council in May, described the Bell Hotel holding the migrants as a “paedophile babysitting centre” when he joined demonstrators outside the venue earlier this month.
Police outside the Bell Hotel, which has been the focal point of recent protests (Jonathan Brady/PA)(PA Wire)
The Bell Hotel in Epping has been the focal point of protests with outbreaks of violence even before Friday’s court ruling.
RECOMMENDED
Schoolboy, 12, pictured after being killed in park incident as family pay tribute
Undo
Trump fumes at contractor for ‘stupid’ rose garden damage
Undo
Looking 10 years older from thinning hair! This Watsons find works wonders!Hair’s Rich |
Undo
Café Kitsune opens at Jewel Changi Airport with outlet-exclusive Singapore itemsPrestigeonline.com |
Undo
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
In other posts on X, Regan described Islam as “an evil criminal cartel of evil pedo’s [sic]” and also claimed “Islam will suck our benefit system dry”.
In one video seen by the I Paper, recorded outside the hotel and published on TikTok, he said: “Thanks to the British Government, we now have a third world paedophile babysitting centre in the middle of Epping.”
Promoted stories
Open an Account Now!Interactive Brokers Learn More
Undo
Sponsored LinksSponsored Links
In other posts he appeared to spread unfounded rumours that police were “escorting an aggressive counter group directly toward” local demonstrators.
He suggested the police “actually want trouble”, an accusation Essex Police has repeatedly denied.
Regan was also filmed through the doors of the hotel as protesters behind him shout, “Where’s your documents” and “Identify yourself” at people of colour who appeared to be hotel employees.
His language already appeared to be raising concerns with fellow members of Reform, with another Epping Forest Reform councillor Jaymey McIvor warning him about his language on one of the videos.
RECOMMENDED
Even Reform voters now want to unpick this one Brexit measure, shock poll reveals
Undo
Rudy Giuliani seriously injured in car accident, his spokesperson says
Undo
Retired Teacher Built This At 70…Wait Till You See InsideTheDecorIdeas |
Undo
New In Singapore: Rubber Floor Tiles - Effortless Installation!Tiles | Search Ads |
Undo
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
A Reform UK spokesman said: “Cllr Regan has been suspended from Reform UK pending investigation. We do not tolerate any forms of racism.”
The Independent has been unable to contact Regan for comment.