Green councillor suspended after '˜hired killers' tweet

Green councillor Ben Duncan has been suspended from the party's group of councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council.

His suspension follows an inquiry by the party after Councillor Duncan, who represents Queen's Park ward, described soldiers as 'hired killers' in a tweet on Armed Forces Day.

Lisa Murray, who chairs the local party, said: 'The panel of inquiry has concluded that Councillor Ben Duncan should no longer serve as a member of the Green group of councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council.

'This follows his recent statement on Twitter concerning the armed forces which understandably offended many both within and outside the party.

'The panel concluded that since this recent incident follows a history of making comments in social media that many would view as inappropriate for someone in such a position, taken as a whole, Councillor Duncan's actions amount to a breach of standards and judgement expected of a Green councillor, bringing himself and colleagues into disrepute.

'From this point Councillor Duncan will not participate in votes or discussions in the Green group or be involved in any decisions of the group and will sit as an independent councillor.

'Any further investigation is beyond the remit of this disciplinary panel.'

Councillor Warren Morgan, Labour Group leader, said: 'The right thing for them [The Greens] to do would be to have him resign immediately.

'It is wrong that he will continue to be paid as a councillor until next May.'