MP calls for Reform to expel new councillor

4 hours ago

Paul MoseleyNorfolk political reporter

An MP has called for Reform UK to expel a councillor over social media posts that included reposting comments describing Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy as "like some corrupt African official".

South Norfolk Labour MP Ben Goldsborough highlighted other comments made by Karl Catchpole, who was elected to Norfolk County Council last month.

Goldsborough said the posts were "disgraceful", adding: "We should expect better from anyone in political leadership."

A spokesman for Reform, which is in minority control of the council, said the party had no comment. Catchpole also declined to comment.

Catchpole won the Long Stratton seat in May's local elections. It had previously been held by the Conservatives and is within Goldsborough's constituency.

He has described himself online as "now retired after spending 35 years in the home improvement industry and property investments".

Catchpole has been appointed chair of the council's infrastructure and development committee.

Goldsborough criticised him for posts on X, which included one from February last year in which he reposted an attack on Lammy, who was then foreign secretary but is now Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.

"David Lammy identifies as Caribbean," the post said.

"For some reason, he was made foreign secretary. Now he is arranging to send as much money as he can from Britain to the Caribbean. Like some corrupt African official, he's looting us for his own tribe, in broad daylight."

The MP also pointed to a post by Catchpole from January 2025 praising the far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

At the time, Robinson was in prison after admitting contempt of court by repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee.

Catchpole called Robinson "a caring family man" and said some would describe him as "a political prisoner", while calling for him to be released.

Goldsborough said it was "disgraceful" to describe Lammy in that way.

"Those comments are completely unacceptable and do not reflect the values of South Norfolk," he added.

Goldsborough said he had written to Reform calling for Catchpole's expulsion from the party but had received no reply.

However, that number fell to 39 following the resignation this week of Old Catton councillor Mark Tucker, because of ill health.

A by-election for the seat is expected to be held on 16 July.

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