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Councillor quits Tories after calling TV pundit 'typical black hypocrite'

Cllr Alexis McEvoy has resigned from the Conservatives after tweeting about TV pundit Ian Wright <i>(Image: Alexis McEvoy)</i>
Cllr Alexis McEvoy has resigned from the Conservatives after tweeting about TV pundit Ian Wright (Image: Alexis McEvoy)

A HAMPSHIRE councillor has resigned from the Conservative Party after calling Arsenal legend and TV pundit Ian Wright a "typical black hypocrite" on Twitter.

Alexis McEvoy, who is being investigated by Hampshire police, has also stood down from her public roles - including membership of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

She is now sitting as an Independent member of New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council.

Daily Echo: TV pundit Ian Wright has accused Cllr McEvoy of issuing a fake apology over her tweet
Daily Echo: TV pundit Ian Wright has accused Cllr McEvoy of issuing a fake apology over her tweet

TV pundit Ian Wright has accused Cllr McEvoy of issuing a fake apology over her tweet (Image: David Fleming)

The NPA said it was aware of complaints about online content posted by Cllr McEvoy, who at the time was a member of the New Forest National Park Authority board.

It added: "We can confirm that Cllr McEvoy is no longer a New Forest NPA board member.

"We received written confirmation that Cllr McEvoy has resigned from the Conservative Group at the county council, from all her county council committee appointments, and from all her appointments to outside bodies."

READ MORE: New Forest councillor Alexis McEvoy "deeply sorry" over tweet about TV pundit

The tweet, which was later deleted, was posted at the height of the recent controversy involving Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, 62.

Following comments he made about the new anti-illegal immigration bill he was briefly suspended in a move that led to Mr Wright refusing to appear on the show in an act of solidarity.

Cllr McEvoy's tweet contrasted his reaction with an alleged lack of support for other pundits involved in previous disputes with their employers.

Daily Echo: Cllr McEvoy posted her controversial tweet at the height of the recent row over Gary Lineker
Daily Echo: Cllr McEvoy posted her controversial tweet at the height of the recent row over Gary Lineker

Cllr McEvoy posted her controversial tweet at the height of the recent row over Gary Lineker (Image: PA)

Last week Hampshire Constabulary confirmed it was investigating Cllr McEvoy's tweet.

She was previously listed as chair of Calshot Activities Centre Association, vice-chair of Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority, and a member of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

She was also a governor of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the city's main hospital.

A Trust spokesperson said: "Having been made aware of the issue, Alexis McEvoy is being stood down from her voluntary role with UHS while we investigate."

READ MORE: Gary Lineker to return to Match of the Day after BBC deal

In a statement issued a week ago, Cllr McEvoy acknowledged her tweet had caused offence, adding: "I did not mean it to do so and I am deeply sorry. I find racism in any form abhorrent."

But Mr Wright, 59, later accused her of making a "fake apology".

A district council spokesperson said: "The council has been informed that Cllr Alexis McEvoy is no longer a member of the Conservative and Unionist Party or the New Forest Conservative Group.

"She has stood down from committees and outside bodies."