Barnet blogger, Roger Tichbourne, has spoken of his “shock” at the “sexist” comments made by Brian Coleman at last night’s Barnet Council meeting.

Cllr Coleman caused outrage at the meeting, which took place in Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, by referring to people in the public gallery as “the sad, mad and a couple of hags.”

Mr Tichbourne said: “Everyone was in a state of shock.

“His comments were sexist. It is inappropriate. It is completely beyond the pale.

“If you are a middle aged woman and you turn up to a public meeting should a councillor insult you just because you are a woman?

“Hag is clearly a sexist word. I feel disgusted by it. It is just revolting.

“Would he refer to his mother as a hag? I should think not.”
 
Cllr Coleman’s comment was greeted by shocked shouts of “appalling” from the public 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.

Mr Tichbourne said: “The leader of the council should make Brian Coleman apologise.

“He should be stripped of any authority he has left.

“I am very disappointed that the mayor didn’t make him apologise or leave the chamber.

“I think it is quite astounding.”

The Times Series contacted Cllr Coleman for a comment but he refused to explain his actions saying that he does not talk to the press.

The Times Series is awaiting a comment from Cllr Richard Cornelius and Cllr Brian Schama.