Councillor resigns after 'good riddance' Kirk post

Political activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead in Utah on Wednesday

A Lancashire councillor who posted that the assassination of right-wing US political activist Charlie Kirk was "good riddance" has resigned.

Fiona Wild, who represented Lanehead ward as an independent on Burnley Council, has since deleted the post which also said the "not... very nice man made himself a target and brought this on himself".

Kirk was one of America's most high-profile conservative media personalities and a trusted ally of President Donald Trump. The 31-year-old was shot at a college in Utah on Wednesday.

Burnley Council confirmed Wild's resignation, said it "does not condone the comments" and confirmed it was investigating complaints.

'Nasty side'

The leader of Burnley Council's Conservative group, Councillor Jamie McGowan, had demanded Wild's resignation.

"It's such a disgusting thing to say, which shows a nasty side I didn't know she had," said McGowan.

"The comment has sparked outrage with many residents calling out her lack of humanity."

The BBC has attempted to contact Wild, who previously represented Labour.

She has also been approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Kirk was known for holding open-air political debates on campuses across the United States.

In 2012, at the age of 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA, a student organisation that aims to spread conservative ideals at liberal-leaning US colleges.

His social media and eponymous daily podcast often shared clips of him debating with students about issues such as transgender identity, climate change, faith and family values.

No motive is yet known for the shooting and the shooter remains at large.