Peterborough Council Leader Quits Over ‘White Trash’ Slur
The Labour leader of Peterborough City Council, Dennis Jones, has dramatically resigned after being accused of using offensive language to describe grooming gang victims in Rotherham. The scandal erupted when private messages surfaced showing Jones reportedly calling victims “poor white trash.”
Shocking Messages Exposed by Former Labour Councillor
The damning messages were made public by ex-Labour councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, who quit the party earlier this year over bullying claims. On 8 August, Jones is said to have messaged Blakemore-Creedon in response to her remarks about immigration and women’s safety:
“Oh so white British cops fing poor white trash in Rotherham is OK, is it? Get a fing grip Daisy. You are aiming for populist votes and attention.”
Blakemore-Creedon shared the exchange online, accusing Jones of “offensive slurs” and politicising the suffering of abuse victims.
Council and Labour Party Swing into Action
Peterborough City Council swiftly confirmed Jones’s immediate resignation, announcing an Extraordinary Full Council meeting to appoint a new leader. Despite stepping down as leader, Jones will remain on the council as an independent.
“The Leader of Peterborough City Council, Councillor Dennis Jones, has today resigned with immediate effect,” the council said.
A Labour Party spokesperson added:
“The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our members and elected representatives. The language used was inappropriate and swift action has been taken. We cannot comment further while an investigation is ongoing.”
Opposition Demands Answers
Conservative group leader Wayne Fitzgerald condemned the remarks as “deeply offensive and unacceptable.” He insisted Jones must explain himself or quit immediately, while calling on Labour to answer serious questions.
“Calling white working-class girls white trash is deeply offensive. Even if private, it would upset many parents and young people in Peterborough,” Fitzgerald said.
Blakemore-Creedon Hits Out at ‘Demeaning’ Language
The former Labour councillor blasted Jones for his “demeaning and classist” language:
- “The phrase ‘white trash’ dismisses victims of grooming gangs as if their suffering is less worthy of respect because of their background. That is completely unacceptable, especially from someone in public life.”
- “He deflected and turned hostile instead of engaging in open and respectful dialogue.”
What’s Next for Peterborough Council?
Jones will continue as an independent councillor, leaving the Labour-run council in chaos. A new leader is expected to be appointed at the upcoming council meeting. The controversy adds fuel to ongoing scrutiny over how Labour deals with historic grooming gang scandals — a fraught and politically explosive issue nationwide.
