Jo Cox fund: Offensive comment councillor expelled from group

The comment was made after the fund hit £1m

A councillor has been expelled from his local Conservative group after he posted an offensive Facebook message mocking the fundraising effort in memory of killed MP Jo Cox.

Dominic Peacock made the comment above a link to an article about donations to the Jo Cox fund passing the £1m mark.

The East Riding Conservative Group said he had been expelled with immediate effect.

Mr Peacock has deleted the post and apologised "unreservedly".

More on this story and others in Hull and East Yorkshire

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Peacock was suspended by the national Conservative Party.

A spokesman said: "Mr Peacock's comments are highly offensive and he has been suspended from the party pending an investigation."

Labour MP Mrs Cox died when she was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on Thursday. A 52-year-old man has been charged with her murder.

The comment was made on the Vote Leave Beverley & Holderness, Haltemprice & Howden Facebook page.

Mr Peacock is the councillor for Minster and Woodmansey Ward.

Councillor Dominic Peacock was expelled by the East Riding of Yorkshire Conservative Group at a meeting on Wednesday

Council leader Stephen Parnaby described the post as "inappropriate and offensive".

Mr Parnaby added: "This is not the time for inappropriate remarks, however intended, and I will not tolerate them in my group.

"Residents should expect their elected representatives to act in an appropriate and compassionate way."