Conservative councillor suspended after 'gypsies' tweet during Eurovision Song Contest
Nick Harrington, of Warwick District Council, took to Twitter after none of the Irish judges voted for the British song to win
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Tory councillor has been suspended after posting an offensive tweet about Irish people and gypsies during the Eurovision Song Contest.
Nick Harrington, from Warwick District Council, took to social media after none of the Irish judges appeared to vote for the British song to win.
Although Mr Harrington’s account has now been deleted, the tweet was screengrabbed and shared widely across the social media site.
“#Eurovision2017. Thanks Ireland. You can keep your f****** gypsies,” Mr Harrington said in the tweet.
Councillor Andrew Mobbs, leader of Warwick District Council, said the comments were “completely unacceptable”.
“I have had a number of people contact me by telephone and e mail this morning with concerns and I have suspended councillor Harrington from the Conservative group on Warwick District Council for six months. There will be in investigation,” Mr Mobbs told the Coventry Telegraph.
Warwick District Council has "apologised unreservedly" for the outburst from Mr Harrington, the Daily Mail reported.
A Conservative spokesperson said: "Mr Harrington has been suspended by the party pending an investigation."
The Irish jury did not award Lucie Jones, the UK's entry to the contest, any points, but televoters awarded her four points, according to Eurovision World.
The UK came in 15th place with 111 points in total – 99 from the jury and 12 from televoting.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments