A COUNCILLOR has hit out at offensive songs weeks after a row over a Reform Party councillor and crude lyrics about women.
Dance tracks that had been credited to David Thomas, who leads the Reform UK group on Torfaen council, were highlighted in the run up to a by-election which eventually saw the party win its first council seat through the ballot box in Wales.
Days before the February election news outlets reported that happy hardcore dance tracks, that had been posted online more than 10 years ago, were credited to Cllr Thomas on sites including You Tube and Spotify.
Reform UK denied the songs credited to Cllr Thomas, and under his music production alias DJ Dowster, were created by him.
Torfaen council’s Labour leader Anthony Hunt had called for Cllr Thomas, who was previously an independent before he and two other unaligned councillors for Llantarnam in Cwmbran formed the Reform UK group last summer, to apologise for the “deeply offensive and misogynistic” lyrics. He was also urged to resign as a school governor by Labour’s Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes.
At the first full council meeting since the by-election the council unanimously agreed a councillor should be appointed as a violence against women and girls champion to “amplify” the voice of survivors and hold the authority to account on tackling the issue.
In response to the motion, proposed by Blaenavon independent councillor Janet Jones, Labour cabinet member Joanne Gauden said councillors had a responsibility over the language they use as “role models”.
The Croesyceiliog councillor, who didn’t refer to any member individually, said: “As elected members, respected in our communities and as school governors respected by young people who observe how we behave, our behaviour must recognise the importance of being a role model. Language is powerful and our language as role models is powerful.
“Offensive language or written text or song lyrics or banters all send layers of messaging in our communities to create an impression and reinforce the culture of abuse against women and girls, and yes rape culture too.
“It is not okay to use offensive language about, or to, women and girls and it is not okay to degrade women and girls. It is not okay to devalue women or girls and it’s not okay to normalise or trivialise offensive or misogynistic language.
“As respected role models in our communities we must call out offensive and harmful language to protect women and girls from future harm.”
The motion noted central government is committed over the next decade to halve the number of cases of violence towards women and girls. Cllr Jones said it could only be achieved with the help of local authorities taking steps such as victims having access to specialist support and comprehensive education within schools and colleges.
Cabinet member Peter Jones said Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, Jane Mudd, has a forum for the police and local authorities to address the issue which he attends.
Two councillors said members of their family, including male children, had been impacted by domestic abuse.
A recorded vote was requested by Labour Upper Cwmbran member Steven Evans “to make sure all members vote”.
All councillors voted in support of the motion.
