From Mayor Fiaz and Colin Ansell, interim Chief Executive Newham Council
‘We acknowledge the harm experienced by Cllr Danny Keeling because of the misgendering that occurred at the meeting of Full Council on Monday night, and the sustained abuse on social media since then. We take the wellbeing and safety of our elected members very seriously and will do all we can to safeguard their interests.
Incorrectly stating an individual’s preferred pronouns and disrepecting their identity goes against the standards we promote at the Council in our quest to be a beacon of inclusivity. We are deeply sorry that this situation has continued to occur.
We will learn from this. We are in contact with Cllr Keeling to support them at this time and to address what is needed to change behaviours and practice at the Council.
Taking place as LGBT+ History Month comes to an end, this incident reaffirms that we must continue to do more in our commitment to all those marginalised, specifically those in the non binary and trans community that have chosen to make Newham their home. We abhor any and all forms of discrimination.”