The disgraced former Lord Mayor of Liverpool who lost his title after sharing a racist video has stepped down from his position as trustee of an anti-racism charity.
The Anthony Walker Foundation charity - set up in the name of a victim of a racist murder on Merseyside - has responded to the scandal that saw Liverpool's Lord Mayor stripped of his title and accepted his resignation.
Yesterday was the anniversary of the horrific killing of Anthony, who was just 18 when he was murdered in an unprovoked, racist attack by Michael Barton in Huyton in 2005.
Liverpool Councillor Peter Brennan was a trustee of the charity and had chosen it as one of his three organisations to raise money for when he was given the honour of being named Lord Mayor of Liverpool in May.
But yesterday - on the day of the anniversary - the city's new first citizen was dramatically stripped of his title after it emerged that he had shared a racist video in a Whatsapp group with fellow councillors.
The ECHO understands that the video compared black people to monkeys - and elected Mayor Joe Anderson took little time in removing Cllr Brennan's civic positon.
The Old Swan Councillor has also been suspended by the Labour Party pending a full investigation.
Now it has been revealed that he has also resigned from his role within the foundation.
In a statement, a foundation spokesman said: "The 30th July has always been a day of sadness and reflection for everyone associated with the Anthony Walker Foundation.
"Yesterday's news regarding the resignation of Cllr Brennan as Lord Mayor and the awful events surrounding it added to the solemnness of the day.
"Cllr Brennan is a trustee of the Anthony Walker Foundation and has already publicly acknowledged his actions.
"We are all deeply shocked he was involved in sharing a racist video and consequently the Foundation has accepted Cllr Brennan's resignation.
"Yesterday’s events are a stark reminder of the responsibility each and every one of us has to ensure racism has no place in all areas of our society.
"The Foundation will continue to educate and fight racism, support those experiencing hate crime, and promote diversity and inclusion."
After Cllr Brennan agreed to take the unprecedented move of resigning as Lord Mayor, he apologised for what he described as a 'calamitous mistake.'
He said: "Yesterday, I sent a video out on a whatsapp group, which I now recognise is racist and offensive. I recognise this and I sincerely regret the hurt and upset that I have caused by sharing it. It was a very stupid thing to do, but honestly it was not meant to cause harm, I have reflected on it and can again honestly say I am appalled that I could have done so and that it has caused harm and will upset many people.
"Today is the anniversary of the death of Anthony Walker who was murdered because of the colour of his skin. I am a proud Patron of the charity the Anthony Walker Foundation and it was one of my charities for my year as Mayor. I state this not to justify sharing a stupid and hurtful video but to make it clear that I have and will always fight racism.
"The black community I have clearly offended will have lost confidence in me for making such a calamitous mistake, I clearly can not represent our wonderfully diverse community if people are angry and upset with me. I apologise for this serious misjudgement and it something that has scarred me and will live with me always, please find it in your heart to forgive this huge mistake.
"It was the most, important day of my life being installed as Lord Mayor of Liverpool, but with that role comes responsibility and that includes doing what’s right for our City.
He added: "It is for that reason, and after a talk with my friend Mayor Joe Anderson earlier, that I have decided that in the interest of the City I can not continue as Lord Mayor and have tendered my resignation to him today. I want to thank the Councillors who have supported me and I am sorry I have let you down.
Mayor Anderson said he had no option but to act.
He said: "The actions I have taken needed to be taken immediately and make clear that anyone, no matter who you are in politics, you will be held to account.
“This appalling video was circulated 14 years to the day since the promising and talented Merseyside teenager Anthony Walker was brutally murdered in a horrific racist attack.
“On behalf of the people of Liverpool I apologise for the offence and hurt caused.”
Yesterday evening it was confirmed that Cllr Brennan had also been suspended by the Labour party pending a full investigation.
