Sick Hackney Labour councillor Luke Akehurst has sparked outrage across the political spectrum for his wish to exploit victims of the 2005 terrorist bombing in London.

Writing on his blog, the Chatham Ward councillor wrote that:

Maybe instead of Labour fielding a candidate in Haltemprice & Howden we should find a Martin Bell type candidate - preferably a recently retired senior police officer, or a survivor or relative of a victim of a terrorist attack, to run under the following 5 word candidate description: “Independent - for detaining terrorism suspects”.

Bomb victim Rachel North is just one of dozens of bloggers who have expressed their disgust at Councillor Akehurst’s opinions.

Luke, I am not a conservative. I have always voted LABOUR. I can’t do so any more because they are shredding ancient freedoms and engaging in fear-mongering.

I expect terrorists to attack our freedoms and our democracy by using fear and terror to hurt us. I was right there, seven feet away from a 19 year old suicide bomber in my carriage on 7/7 and lucky to escape with my life when he killed 26 fellow passengers.

I object vehemently to your assumption that victims of terrorism can be waved about to us as a bloodied figleaf to cover up a naked desire to be seen to be tough on terror for entirely politcal purposes, I object to being used as a political football, and if ‘for the victims’ is going to be invoked for this kind of liberty-trashing fearmongering, then this ‘victim’ (hate that word)is going to shout right back that those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither.

The Hackney Conservative Association condemns Councillor Akehurst’s opinions. His comments are disgraceful, and he should retract them.

Categories: News
Tags: dog whistle politics, features, labour, luke akehurst