Cllr Coleman insults public with "appalling" comment (From Times Series)

Cllr Coleman insults public with "appalling" comment at Barnet Council meeting

9:56am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By Emma Innes

Cllr Coleman insults public with "appalling" comment

Councillor Brian Coleman is embroiled in fresh controversy this morning after making an “appalling” comment about members of the public at a Barnet Council meeting.

During last night’s meeting, which took place at Hendon Town Hall, Cllr Coleman described the people in the public gallery as: “The sad, mad and a couple of old hags.”

His comment was greeted by shocked shouts of “appalling” from the gallery.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Cohen called for the controversial character to apologise.

He said: “Cllr Coleman has insulted me by insulting members of the gallery.

“I hope he will reconsider his remarks and apologise now.”

However, despite being given an opportunity to apologise by the meeting’s chairman, Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Brian Schama, Cllr Coleman refused to do so.

In May Cllr Coleman, a Conservative councillor, lost his seat on the GLA and was stripped of his role at the London Fire Authority.

He was also sacked as the environment portfolio holder.