A Reform UK councillor has apologised after posing with a poster that appeared to endorse the disgraced BBC presenter Jimmy Savile over the Labour Party. Lilian Rogers, who was elected to Wigan Council last month, shared a photograph of herself with a handmade sign reading 'I'd rather vote for Jimmy Savile than Labour'. The image was taken during the Makerfield by-election campaign.
Councillor's apology and explanation
Rogers said she posed with the sign before understanding its meaning, describing the moment as occurring 'at the end of a long day of canvassing'. In a Facebook post, she stated: 'While I saw the sign at the time, I want to be absolutely clear: I completely failed to realise its sickening implications or context. In the rush of a busy campaign day, it was viewed as entirely innocent, and I did not comprehend the true, disgusting meaning behind it.'
She added: 'Had I understood the implication for even a second, I would never have associated myself with it or agreed to be photographed. The wording on that sign is utterly indefensible, and I completely condemn it. I am deeply sorry for any distress this situation has caused to anyone who has seen it, and I am incredibly disappointed in my own naivety in allowing myself to be compromised in this way.' Rogers noted that the matter was being dealt with 'internally' by the party.
By-election context and reaction
The by-election, held on Thursday, saw a landslide victory for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who secured over 9,000 more votes than Reform's second-placed candidate Robert Kenyon. Savile, who died in 2011, was the subject of hundreds of allegations of sexual offences, making him one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders.
Rogers's apparent endorsement drew condemnation from fellow councillors. Labour representative Paul Gray said he was 'absolutely disgusted' by the post. He told the Independent: 'The poor victims of Jimmy Savile, what the hell are they thinking?' Wigan Council confirmed the issue was being investigated in line with the local authority's code of conduct. Metro has contacted Reform UK for comment.
