Northern Ireland

Jayda Fransen: Anger as far-right politician films video in Belfast Lord Mayor's chair

Britain First deputy leader Jayda Fransen pictured in the Lord Mayor's chair in Belfast council chamber
Britain First deputy leader Jayda Fransen pictured in the Lord Mayor's chair in Belfast council chamber Britain First deputy leader Jayda Fransen pictured in the Lord Mayor's chair in Belfast council chamber

COUNCILLORS have called for an investigation after far-right politician Jayda Fransen was filmed sitting in the Lord Mayor’s chair in Belfast City Hall.

The Britain First deputy leader posted a video on the group's Facebook page yesterday criticising charges brought against her for alleged hate speeches.

Dressed in a councillor's robes, Ms Fransen had earlier appeared in court in Belfast over a speech she made at a rally in the city last year.

It is understood that independent councillor Jolene Bunting, a supporter of Britain First, arranged Ms Fransen's visit to the council chamber.

The video shows a camera panning from Ms Bunting's council nameplate to Ms Fransen, who is sitting in the Lord Mayor's chair.

A spokeswoman for Belfast City Council confirmed it had not received a request to film in the chamber and said it was "looking into the circumstances".

Alliance councillor Sian O'Neill, whose party colleague Nuala McAllister is Lord Mayor, accused Ms Bunting of abusing her role.

"This video disrespects an office which all parties on the council have sought to undertake in as inclusive a manner as possible," she said.

"It is an abuse by Councillor Bunting of her privilege to access the robes, the chamber and the Lord Mayor's chair to create a false perception of a link between the council and Britain First, and Alliance has contacted the Chief Executive to investigate it.

"Normally when councillors bring visitors on a tour of city hall, it is a positive experience designed to make people feel more included in the workings of the city and proud of it. This behaviour is in direct contrast to that, being deliberately designed to alienate large sections of our community and create division. Councillor Bunting is doing nothing but bringing shame on herself and the council."

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker also said Ms Bunting should be investigated.

"Belfast City Hall is a place for everyone and this rhetoric shouldn’t be allowed to happen," he said.

"Councillor Bunting should be questioned and disciplined for this and I would ask for an investigation as this behaviour is totally unacceptable by these individuals.

"Belfast is a better city than this and these individuals deserve no platform for this nonsense."

A Belfast City Council spokeswoman added: "Council has been made aware of the video post and is currently looking into the circumstances".

"The usual procedures for those wishing to film or use council premises were not followed," she said.

"We received no request nor were we made aware of these plans."

Ms Bunting was contacted for comment last night.