Labour councillor: Sorry about the Nazi salute, I was angry about Ukip and the Tories A Labour councillor has apologised for doing a Nazi salute during a budget meeting, saying he was driven to the […]

A Labour councillor has apologised for doing a Nazi salute during a budget meeting, saying he was driven to the gesture after he got angry with his Ukip and Conservative colleagues during a debate on council tax bills.

Jonny Morris, a member of Plymouth City Council, has admitted doing a Hitler hand greeting was “inappropriate and offensive”. He has been suspended by the whip of the Labour group, pending an investigation.

Mr Morris directed the salute towards the other councillors as they voted in favour (29 to 26) of increasing council tax bills by 4.49 per cent.

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Upon seeing their colleague’s gesture, other councillors said it was “offensive” and “shocking”.

‘Utter disgrace’

Plymouth City Council councillors Labour – 27 Conservative – 27 Ukip – 3

Conservative councillor Nick Kelly called for a point of order while votes were being taken on council tax bills, saying: “For somebody to salute like that in this chamber is an utter disgrace and that should be noted.”

After being told by the Lord Mayor that voting was taking place, he said: “And I’m pointing out that for somebody to do a Nazi salute… is absolutely appalling.”

The Lord Mayor then asked Mr Morris to apologise for his actions.

Following the debate, Mr Morris said: “I was very angry at the closing down of debate on Plymouth’s budget by the UKIP/Tory ruling group.

‘Anger got the better of me’

“I let that anger get the better of me,” Mr Morris said, before apologising “unreservedly”.

Mr Morris also vented his anger on Twitter: “New motion to vote without debate is in order. Plymouth Blukip put budget without debate. This is a **** you to the people of Plymouth.” [sic] “Would love to report on [Plymouth Council’s] budget. Blukip scared of debate, so they silence it. No debate. Total contempt by shysters.”

Tudor Evans, the leader of the Plymouth Labour Group, said the matter was being taken seriously and that Mr Morris had been suspended, according to Cornwall Live.

Ian Bowyer, the Conservative leader of the Plymouth City Council, said Plymouth did not “tolerate any kind of discrimination or hate crime”.

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson said: “An offensive gesture was made by an elected member during the full Council meeting on Monday afternoon. The matter is being investigated by the Council’s monitoring officer as a potential breach of the Code of Conduct.”