UMVA has learned that a shocking incident involving a councillor and a sign comparing Labour to notorious sex offender Jimmy Savile has sparked widespread outrage.
Councillor Lilian Rogers posed for a photo with the sign, which she later described as "utterly indefensible" and condemned in the strongest terms. She expressed deep regret for any distress caused and acknowledged her own naivety in allowing herself to be compromised.
The sign was displayed during a busy campaign day, with Rogers claiming she did not comprehend the true meaning behind it at the time. She emphasized that had she understood the implication, she would never have associated herself with it or agreed to be photographed.
The incident occurred on the same day voters headed to the polls for the Makerfield by-election, which saw a landslide win for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Burnham took more than 9,000 more votes than Reform's second-placed candidate Robert Kenyon.
Rogers' apparent endorsement of one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders attracted condemnation from fellow councillors, including Labour representative Paul Gray. Gray expressed his disgust, saying: 'The poor victims of Jimmy Savile, what the hell are they thinking?'
Wigan Council said the issue was being investigated in line with the local authority's code of conduct. The matter is being dealt with internally, with Rogers facing criticism for her actions.
