Reform UK councillor accused of sexist comments

A women's advocacy group has called for a formal investigation after a Reform UK councillor allegedly made sexist remarks about gender at an International Women's Day event.

Peter York, vice chairman of West Northamptonshire Council, allegedly said "some women should have never left the kitchen" during a conversation at Northampton Guildhall on Saturday.

He is also alleged to have criticised the government's cabinet for having too many women in it.

York said he was "provoked" and his comments were taken "out of context" but apologised for any offence taken.

The council has apologised for the "wholly unacceptable" remark.

The Northants Women's Empowerment Group called the alleged comments a "series of deeply offensive and sexist remarks," as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A formal complaint has been submitted by the group stating it was not "an isolated slip of the tongue" and that York chose to "double down" on his position when challenged.

It has requested the council carry out an investigation into whether York's comments breached the authority's code of conduct.

Martin Henry, the council's chief executive, said the comments do not "reflect the values of our council".

He said: "West Northamptonshire Council is proud of the women who lead, support and strengthen our communities every day and recognise the fundamental and invaluable contribution they play across all aspects of public and private life."

Hannah Martin and Laura Wright, of the group, said the views were "abhorrent".

"It is a gross betrayal of the spirit of International Women's Day for a high-ranking council official to use the platform to demean women's professional contributions," they said, in a joint statement.

They said the alleged behaviour "fosters a toxic environment that discourages women from entering local politics".

In a statement, York said: "I'd like to apologise for any offence taken to a comment made at the weekend, that was taken entirely out of context, whilst being provoked by a member of the public, and a councillor from the Liberal Democrat group."

Lib Dem councillor Farzana Aldridge, who was part of the conversation, refuted claims that she was trying to score points during the discussion.

Conservative James Hill also said he "could not believe [his] ears" and said York's comments were "completely tone deaf".

Reform council leader Mark Arnull said an investigation had taken place and he was "satisfied that this was a result of political point scoring".

"Councillor York agrees with me, that the comment made at the time, whilst taken out of context, was unacceptable and will not be repeated," he added.

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