Outrage at Labour man's Queen slur

20 November 2009

Peter White from his own Facebook page

A Labour candidate for Havering Council provoked a world-wide storm after calling the Queen "vermin" and a "parasite".

Peter White, who is standing in next year's council elections, posted a comment on Romford MP Andrew Rosindell's Facebook page attacking plans to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The unemployed 26-year-old now faces possible deselection from the Labour list of South Hornchurch ward candidates, after posting: "What is the point of celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of someone who is born into a position of privilege. She is a parasite and milks this country for everything she can. She has more front than Margate asking for extra money from the civil list.

"Maybe she should sell a couple of her properties. Maybe if she wants Buckingham Palace to be maintained from public funds, she should open it to the public.

"Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a public holiday, but let's have one that means something, rather than celebrating vermin...."

Conservative Mr Rosindell, who has proposed holding a national holiday to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the coronation, has now written to Labour Party leader Gordon Brown calling on the party to take action.

He told the Recorder: "It's shocking that someone in such a senior position would say something as offensive as this.

"I respect the fact that people will hold different views on the monarchy, but to use such offensive terms as 'vermin' and 'parasite' is beyond the pale. It's appalling and leaves his position completely untenable.

"His comments have caused international, as well as national, outrage. The Queen is a hugely respected figure across the world and it's clear offence has been caused across the world.

"Peter White has not only brought shame on the Labour Party, but also embarrassed Havering."

Mr White, of Brook Road, Gidea Park, has now issued an apology for any offence, but refused to withdraw the sentiment of his comments.

He said: "I have decided to withdraw one of the comments I made as, in hindsight, I feel I shouldn't have called the royal family vermin. But I stand by my staunchly-held political belief that they are an undemocratic and outdated institution."

Local Labour figures were quick to disassociate themselves with the former Labour election agent in Romford.

Havering's Labour Party leader, and former Upminster MP, Keith Darvill said: "We will be looking closely at what he has said.

"He certainly does not represent the views of the Labour Party or of local Labour councillors. People will take a very dim view about this.

"It is possible for a candidate to be deselected.