A Wigan Reform councillor breaks her silence over offensive Jimmy Savile photo, saying she is "deeply sorry"
A Reform councillor from Wigan has apologised for causing offensive after she posed with a poster bearing an “utterly indefensible” political insult referencing serial paedophile Jimmy Savile.
Shevington with Lower Ground representative Lilian Rogers was one of two councillors pictured on a widely circulated photo with a Rob Kenyon supporter carrying a sign which read: “I would rather vote for Jimmy Savile than Labour”.
The post caused widespread outrage and disgust although some at first questioned whether the image had been photoshopped or altered by AI to land Reform in bother.
But as polls closed tonight, a deeply regretful Coun Rogers took to social media to confirm that it was authentic.
She wrote: “Over the last few days, there has been significant discussion regarding a photograph taken during campaigning for the Makerfield by-election. I feel it is important to address this directly and honestly.
“The photograph was taken at the end of a long day of canvassing. We stopped to speak with a supportive local resident who asked for a quick picture with a homemade sign.
"While I saw the sign at the time, I want to be absolutely clear: I completely failed to realise its sickening implications or context. In the rush of a busy campaign day, it was viewed as entirely innocent, and I did not comprehend the true, disgusting meaning behind it.
"Had I understood the implication for even a second, I would never have associated myself with it or agreed to be photographed.
"The wording on that sign is utterly indefensible, and I completely condemn it. I am deeply sorry for any distress this situation has caused to anyone who has seen it, and I am incredibly disappointed in my own naivety in allowing myself to be compromised in this way.
"This matter is now being dealt with internally. My focus remains entirely on moving forward and working hard for the residents of Shevington, Lower Ground, Moor, and Appley Bridge.”
The public response since has been unsympathetic, with many saying that Coun Rogers was only apologising now because of the backlash.
A number of people had remarked as the scandal flared up that Reform had often referenced grooming gangs during campaigning and yet here were councillors from the party making jokes about one of the worst sex offenders in British history.