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Liverpool's Lord Mayor Peter Brennan has been stripped of his civic title after just two months in the role after sharing a racist video.

The city's first citizen, who only took up the prestigious title in May , has agreed to stand down after discussions with elected mayor Joe Anderson.

The ECHO understands that Cllr Brennan shared a video on a Whatsapp group with other councillors, which prompted a complaint.

We understand the video made comparisons between a black person and a monkey.

(Image: Getty Images)

Cllr Brennan is a patron of the Anthony Walker Foundation - the charity set up to promote racial harmony in the memory of the shocking racist murder of black teenager Anthony Walker in Huyton.

Anthony was killed by Michael Barton on this exact day in 2005.

Cllr Brennan had chosen the Anthony Walker Foundation as one of his three chosen charities for his year as Lord Mayor of the city.

In a statement today, Mayor Anderson said: “This morning, I was shocked and appalled to see a racist video that was circulated by our Lord Mayor Cllr Peter Brennan. Racist language and behaviour is inexcusable and unforgivable in all its forms.

“The video is completely at odds with my values, the values of Liverpool City Council and all who live and work across the city. The hurt that this will have caused to people across the city, including members of my own family is unacceptable from someone who we have given the honour to act as our first citizen.

“I have spoken to Cllr Brennan this morning and after that conversation he has agreed to stand down immediately from the office of Lord Mayor. I have also referred the matter to the Labour Party regionally and nationally. His position as a member of the Labour Party will be dealt with in accordance with party rules.

“The actions I have taken needed to be taken immediately and make clear that anyone, no matter who you are in politics, you will be held to account.

“This appalling video was circulated 14 years to the day since the promising and talented Merseyside teenager Anthony Walker was brutally murdered in a horrific racist attack.

“Liverpool is an open and inclusive city that welcomes people from all backgrounds and faiths. We celebrate and encourage diversity, we are the world in one city. Just days ago, 12,000 people turned out to show their solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community at Liverpool Pride.

(Image: James Maloney)

“On behalf of the people of Liverpool I apologise for the offence and hurt caused.”

A replacement for Lord Mayor of Liverpool will be announced shortly.

In a statement, Cllr Brennan said: "

'Yesterday, I sent a video out on a whatsapp group, which I now recognise is racist and offensive. I recognise this and I sincerely regret the hurt and upset that I have caused by sharing it. It was a very stupid thing to do, but honestly it was not meant to cause harm, I have reflected on it and can again honestly say I am appalled that I could have done so and that it has caused harm and will upset many people.



'Today is the anniversary of the death of Anthony Walker who was murdered because of the colour of his skin. I am a proud Patron of the charity the Anthony Walker Foundation and it was one of my charities for my year as Mayor. I state this not to justify sharing a stupid and hurtful video but to make it clear that I have and will always fight racism.

'The black community I have clearly offended will have lost confidence in me for making such a calamitous mistake, I clearly can not represent our wonderfully diverse community if people are angry and upset with me. I apologise for this serious misjudgement and it something that has scarred me and will live with me always, please find it in your heart to forgive this huge mistake.



'It was the most, important day of my life being installed as Lord Mayor of Liverpool, but with that role comes responsibility and that includes doing what’s right for our City.

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'It is for that reason, and after a talk with my friend Mayor Joe Anderson earlier, that I have decided that in the interest of the City I can not continue as Lord Mayor and have tendered my resignation to him today. I want to thank the Councillors who have supported me and I am sorry I have let you down.



'I am also referring the matter to the Labour Party, for them to deal with.'

The ECHO understands that the Labour Party are aware of the issue - it is not clear at this stage if the party will be taking action against Cllr Brennan.