New Forest National Park Authority weighs in as member faces probes over Ian Wright tweet

NEW Forest National Park Authority has weighed into the row over one of its members calling Ian Wright a "typical black hypocrite" on Twitter.

NPA member Alexis McEvoy, who also represents Fawley, Blackfield and Langley on New Forest District Council and South Waterside on Hampshire County Council, has since apologised and deleted the offensive tweet and her account.

She has also suspended herself from local Conservative Groups, pending investigations by the party, NFDC and the county council.

She made the offensive tweet – including a devil emoji – to her more than 500 followers on Saturday in reference to the ongoing row over Gary Lineker's comments about the government's language on immigration.

Alexis McEvoy has since issued a statement saying: "I am aware that a tweet I sent, and then deleted, has caused offence.

"I did not mean it to do so and I am deeply sorry.

"I find racism in any form abhorrent, I have therefore reported myself to the monitoring officer at both Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council and have suspended myself from both the Conservative groups at New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council, pending investigations.”

Following the announcement of Cllr McEvoy's party suspension, NPA chairman Gavin Parker said: "We are aware of the comments made.

"While they were not made in her capacity as a National Park Authority member, they in no way reflect the views of the authority."

He added: "Creating an inclusive national park is a key part of our work. We expect that everyone involved in the national park plays a full part in championing this and our values."

After being informed about the furore over the offensive tweet by the A&T, Conservative New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne responded by saying: "It certainly sounds right that she's now suspended and is pending some form of investigation."

Prad Bains, the leader of Hampshire County Council's Independent Group, is now calling for fellow member Alexis McEvoy to do the "honourable thing" and resign from the authority.

He told the A&T: "I am utterly appalled to have seen the racist tweet, directed at Ian Wright, which was posted by a Conservative Hampshire County Councillor.

"Racist views have no place in society, but sadly time after time we see incidents like this happening on social media accounts.

"Each time we hear an apology and retraction of the racist comments, but the posts don’t lie, they were written consciously and with intent.

"Myself and my Independent colleagues welcome an immediate investigation into this incident."

He added: "Views and tweets such as these are inexcusable. The public should be aware that any investigation or standards committee findings will not directly lead to the member being ‘sacked’, something that can’t happen, and which would undoubtedly occur in any other walk of life.

"This is why we as a group are calling for the member to do the honourable thing, which is to resign and issue a personal apology to Ian and his family."

The A&T has approached Mr Wright for a comment.