Fire boss in sick jibes at Margaret Thatcher
A senior councillor who runs the region's fire authority has sparked outrage with a series of tweets about Margaret Thatcher, including one calling for people to "rejoice" at her death.
In a quip in response to a comment about plans for the former prime minister to be cremated, Sandwell Councillor John Edwards said: "Surely the Lady's not for burning?"
Councillor Edwards, who received £38,105 in taxpayer-funded allowances for his role as chairman of the West Midlands Fire Authority and his duties as a Sandwell councillor last year, made the bitter remarks on social network Twitter.
He represents Greets Green and Lyng for the Labour party on Sandwell Council.
In a reply to a tweet from someone saying: "Probably the best way to deal with millions wanting to dance on your grave: Thatcher to be cremated", Councillor Edwards quipped: "Surely the Lady's not for burning?".
On Monday, the day of Baroness Thatcher's death, he tweeted:
In another he said:
And then yesterday he added:
The posts have angered Sandwell Conservative group leader Mavis Hughes who said they were insensitive and "disgusting".
"I think it's very inappropriate and the statements should be treated with the contempts they deserve,"?she said.
Conservative Fire Authority member Tim Wright, who is deputy leader of Dudley Conservative group, said: "It seems to me that people in positions of authority ought to carefully consider what they are broadcasting prior to pressing the send button.
"If they wish to draw attention to themselves, then do something great for Britain like Margaret Thatcher.
"There's a time and place for things to be said. You have to be a little bit more tactful and think about what you are doing when in a position of authority.
"Also you have to think about whether you would say that to the person face to face - it's very easy to speak ill of the dead."
Councillor Edwards defended his tweets yesterday, saying they "speak for themselves".
