Notts Tory suspended over ‘despicable’ homophobic attack

A Conservative Party member in Gedling, Nottinghamshire, has been suspended after the deputy leader of the Borough Council was the subject of a homophobic slur on Facebook.

Michael Payne, who is standing to be the Labour MP in Gedling at the next General Election said the “ugly” attack should mean that Keith Seaton, who posted the comment, should be immediately expelled from the Conservative Party.

Seaton, who was once deputy chair of Gedling Conservatives, and failed to win a seat on the council at last year’s elections.

Payne responded to the Facebook post on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “When you wake up to an ugly, offensive, & despicable homophobic attack on you by a Gedling Tories Council candidate and activist, it makes you even more determined to stand up for the values of decency, equality, respect & compassion in society.

“Immediate expulsion Conservatives?”

Replying, Gedling Conservatives said: “This is unacceptable and we are sorry that you – and others – have had to read this. The member involved in this has been suspended from the Party and the matter is being investigated by central office.

“Our Party stands against all forms of discrimination and is open to all.”

Gedling’s Tory MP Tom Randall also described Seaton’s comments as “unacceptable”.