Hampshire Reform UK councillor apologises after ‘non-white people taking over’ park comment

A newly elected Reform UK county councillor has been accused of racism after claiming “non-white” people were “taking over” Aldershot’s Municipal Gardens.

Ken Tranter, the newly elected Hampshire County Councillor for Aldershot South, made the remarks in a social media post about alleged anti-social behaviour in the park, which he said was blighted by the smell of cannabis.

The post read: “Someone on an Aldershot Facebook site was concerned about non white person taking over the Municipal Garden and the strong pervading smell of cannabis.”

He claimed he had reported the issue to police but was frustrated by their response.

“Their response was to say they were aware,” he wrote.

However, he added: “I don’t want them to be aware, I want them to stop it and return the park to family use.”

The post was later deleted from the Facebook group, but not before another member had taken screenshots and challenged the councillor over his language.

Several residents criticised the comments. One wrote: “It’s not really important to know what colour they are.

“Non-white,  does that mean they’re not British? I have seen a few young teenagers in there smoking cannabis. What an unprofessional post.”

Another resident, Oriel Busby, said: “Can you stop using ‘non-white’ as a label? It’s thoroughly rude, offensive and not needed. Disgusted.”

Responding to criticism, Cllr Tranter apologised for his wording.

Campaign group Rushmoor Stand Up To Racism said: “This is racist rhetoric, plain and simple. Can you explain why you used those words? And do you condemn racism?”

Cllr Tranter replied: “An admitted poor use of language, and I certainly abhor racism in all its forms.”

Rushmoor Borough Councillor Gaynor Austin also criticised the remarks, saying: “It’s disgraceful. As councillors, it’s our responsibility to serve all residents. How can he be trusted to do this with this attitude?”

When approached for comment, Cllr Tranter said he “deeply regretted” the remarks, describing his reference to the group’s skin colour as a “poor choice”, “clumsy”, “unnecessary” and “open to misinterpretation”.

In a statement, he said: “My recent post about cannabis smoking in the Municipal Gardens was wrong in its wording and has caused understandable offence. Referring to the group by skin colour was a poor choice that I deeply regret. It was clumsy, unnecessary, and open to misinterpretation as racist, and I take full responsibility for that.

“My intention was to highlight antisocial behaviour and the failure to address open drug use in the Municipal Gardens – something I pledged to tackle if elected, and which I continue to pursue. However, that does not excuse my sloppy language.”

“I apologise for the offence caused and for any distress my words have inflicted. Racism has no place in our community or in my politics, and I condemn it in all its forms.”