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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Joseph Locker

Nottinghamshire politician has 'moved on' after using offensive fascist phrase in meeting

A councillor who uttered the words of a "deeply offensive" fascist salute says she has "moved on".

Viv Leach, an independent councillor who sits on Bingham Town Council, said the words "Heil Hitler" during the annual full council meeting on May 25.

Her words prompted shock from political groups in Nottinghamshire.

Just as councillors were voting on Item 16, to review and approve the council's and officer subscriptions, with some councillors raising their right arm to signify a 'yes' vote, the words could be heard among the silence in the room.

Councillor Leach told Nottinghamshire Live she would not be speaking to any media, but added: "All I can say is that I said it, it was heard, and I am saying no more.

"I have moved on."

The Bingham Conservatives described her utterance as "deeply offensive and unacceptable behaviour."

The party added: "At the Annual Town Council on Tuesday evening, an Independent councillor, Viv Leach, used a well known Nazi salute phrase, in a mocking manner, just as the Mayor asked councillors to vote on an item.

"It can be clearly heard on the YouTube video at 1 hour, 27 mins and 8 secs.

"Other councillors were shocked and appalled at the use of the phrase and the Conservative Group have complained about the behaviour of this councillor.

"We do not believe such deeply offensive and unacceptable behaviour should play a part in any Council meeting."

Bingham Town Council said councillor Leach would be given "appropriate training" and said she apologises unreservedly.

Councillor Leach refused to comment on when she would be receiving the training or what it would entail.

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