A Labour council leader has been suspended after allegedly referring to grooming gang victims in Rotherham as ‘poor white trash’.
Peterborough City Council leader Dennis Jones allegedly sent the message to another councillor.
He has now been suspended from the party and resigned from his role as council leader.
The messages were revealed by former Labour party councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, who resigned from the party in May over bullying accusations.
She took to social media on Wednesday to share messages which she claims were sent to her by Cllr Jones on August 8.
In the message Cllr Jones wrote: ‘Oh so white British cops f***ing poor white trash in Rotherham is OK, is it? Get a f***ing grip Daisy. You are aiming for populist votes and attention.
‘Forgive me but you are bright enough to know what you are doing and, politically, I wish you no luck at all. But you know what you are setting out to do.’
The message was in reply to one from Cllr Blakemore-Creedon which said: ‘I care about safety and why should immigration put women’s safety at risk.’
She had also sent Cllr Jones a message which read: ‘Anyways enough politics for the day – people are already asking for photos with me.’ To which Cllr Jones responded: ‘Give them your sweetest pout. And see above for likely outcome lol.’
Peterborough City Council leader Dennis Jones pictured with former Labour councillor Daisy Blackmore-Creedon
Cllr Blakemore-Creedon was just 18-years-old when she was elected as a councillor last year
Cllr Blakemore-Creedon shared the picture along with a post accusing the council leader of using ‘offensive slurs’ and politicising the suffering of victims.
She wrote: ‘This is what passes for leadership in our city.
‘Use of offensive slurs. The phrase ‘white trash’ is demeaning and classist. It dismisses victims of grooming gangs as if their suffering is less serious or less worthy of respect because of their background. That is completely unacceptable, especially from someone in public life.
‘Deflection instead of engagement. Instead of addressing your concern about immigration and women’s safety, he immediately shifted the topic to “white British cops in Rotherham”. This is a classic deflection tactic: change the subject rather than engage with the actual concern raised.
‘Hostile and abusive tone. Phrases like “Get a f*ing grip” and “I wish you no luck at all” are aggressive, disrespectful, and far below the standard of civil or professional dialogue. Leaders should model respectful debate, not resort to insults.
‘Politicisation of victims’ suffering. The suggestion that you are “aiming for populist votes and attention” trivialises real issues of women’s safety and exploitation. It frames your concern as nothing more than a political ploy, instead of treating it with the seriousness it deserves.
‘Undermining open dialogue. The message makes it clear that raising certain topics, like immigration and women’s safety, is unwelcome, and those who do so will be personally attacked. That kind of culture silences people instead of encouraging open and honest discussion.
Peterborough City Council confirmed today that Cllr Jones had resigned from his role.
A screenshot of the message shared on social media by Cllr Blakemore-Creedon from Cllr Jones
A Council spokesperson said: ‘The Leader of Peterborough City Council, Councillor Dennis Jones, has today resigned with immediate effect.
‘An Extraordinary Full Council meeting will be called as soon as reasonably possible to appoint a new Council Leader.
‘Councillor Jones remains a councillor and will serve as an independent.
‘The resignation is in response to comments made by Councillor Jones which were shared on social media.
‘A formal complaint has been received by the council in relation to this and we are now considering its contents.’
A Labour Party spokesperson told the Peterborough Telegraph: ‘The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our members and our elected representatives. The language used here was inappropriate and swift action has been taken, in line with our rules and procedures. We cannot comment further while an investigation is ongoing.’
Conservative group leader on Peterborough City Council, Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, said: ‘Calling white working class girls white trash is deeply offensive and unacceptable.
‘Even if it was a private message to another councillor, it would upset many parents and young people in Peterborough. The leader of the council needs to explain himself urgently, or resign with immediate effect.
‘The Labour Party has serious questions to answer.’
