Race-related Facebook posts lead to Littlehampton councillor being suspended

A councillor in Littlehampton has been suspended by her party over Facebook posts that included calling Sainsbury’s ‘racist’.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Andrea Turner, who represents Brookfield ward on Littlehampton Town Council, made the comments in a public social media post in response to the supermarket supporting Black History Month, which runs throughout October in the UK.

The Facebook post from Sainsbury’s on October 1 said: “We are proud to celebrate Black History Month together with our Black colleagues, customers and communities and we will not tolerate racism. We proudly represent and serve our diverse society and anyone who does not want to shop with an inclusive retailer is welcome to shop elsewhere.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In response, Cllr Turner said: “So once I’ve spent my saved points, I WILL go elsewhere. Because of YOUR racism I will no longer shop with you.”

Manor House, Church Street, Littlehampton, home of Littlehampton Town Council. Picture: Google MapsManor House, Church Street, Littlehampton, home of Littlehampton Town Council. Picture: Google Maps
Manor House, Church Street, Littlehampton, home of Littlehampton Town Council. Picture: Google Maps

When approached for an explanation, Cllr Turner told the Gazette: “Sainsbury’s should be promoting History Month or British History month. To promote one single ethnic group or colour over another is in my personal opinion racist.

“To be told that if I don’t agree with them, to shop elsewhere, well that is exactly what I will do.

“My facebook page is my own personal page and not connected in any way with me being an elected representative of the community or the Town Council.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On September 22, Cllr Turner had shared a public post on Facebook which said ethnic minorities have it easier in society than people with hidden disabilities like autism and said ‘pretty sure slaves may have lived a much better life’ than disabled people ‘tested on in laboratories’.

An excerpt said: “Why is there a sudden need to force race diversity?? If that’s the case are we going to have a wheelchair user in every advert... an autistic person on every news channel or cereal box... someone with hearing or sight impairment or another disability on every game show... NO, we won’t, as that would be ridiculous wouldnt it.”

In response, Cllr Turner said the original post was written by her daughter, which she shared. She said: “My daughter is a divorced mother of 3 boys, 2 of whom are autistic and I support her and my grandsons in their constant everyday battles for support, recognition and equality.”

In response to the posts, Geoffrey Walker, chairman of the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Conservative Association, said yesterday (October 6): “The Conservative Party does not agree with or support any of the actions or comments attributed to Andrea Turner and we abhor any racial or discriminatory behaviour. We have today suspended Andrea Turner’s membership of the party and will be conducting a full investigation.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In response, Cllr Turner said: “I am very disappointed to be suspended by my party. My Facebook page is my own personal page and not connected in any way to my position as a Town Councillor or the Conservative Party.”

According to Mr Walker, Cllr Turner was elected to the town council last May. Her profile on the town council’s website said she is on the council’s Community Resources Committee, is part of the Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau and is involved with Shopmobility, the mobility scooter organisation.

In response to Cllr Turner’s comments, a Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “We represent and serve our diverse society and are proud to be celebrating Black History Month with our colleagues and customers.”