A member of Hull City Council has ‘wholeheartedly’ apologised after appearing to perform a Nazi salute during a council meeting.
Labour Councillor Alan Gardiner, who represents the Ings wards in the council, shouted “I’m a fascist, I’m a fascist, I’m a fascist” after seemingly performing a Sieg Heil salute, in the council chamber.
Cllr Gardiner was speaking during the council’s Budget meeting on Thursday when a the incident took place. He was seemingly heckled by a councillor from the ruling Liberal Democrats who Cllr Gardiner swiftly told to “shut up” then performed the gesture to the shock of those around him.
After stating “I’m a fascist” three times, a person off camera can be heard saying “thanks for saying that on record,” before Cllr Gardiner continues to discuss issue at hand, the council’s annual Budget.
Following the meeting Cllr Gardiner said: “I wholeheartedly apologise for my comments made in the chamber earlier today. After a heated debate I made comments in irony which upon reflection I know are highly inappropriate.”
The Labour Party have told the LDRS they are aware of the situation and are actively reviewing the footage.
Footage of Cllr Gardiner’s gesture and outburst can be seen at 4:09:25 in the recording of the meeting from Thursday February 27 on Hull City Council’s YouTube page.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
