HOPE not hate Exposes Racist UKIP Councillor

HOPE not hate has uncovered racist messages and his intention to take financial advantage his position from UKIP councillor Peter Cawthron.

UKIP councillor Peter Cawthron, self-confessed "least productive councillor in the UK" represents Coppins ward in Clacton on Tendring District Council.

These statements were made in far-right groups on the messaging app Telegram, under the guise of anonymity.

Cawthron has declared his intention to re-stand as a councillor, citing his desire to get "another £24,000 for doing nothing". Responding to another chat member who described voters as "knuckle-dragging idiots", Cawthron responded "Don't knock them, bro. 500 out of 6,000 of them vote for me and I'm probably elected."

Gregory Davis, Researcher at HOPE not hate said:

"UKIP are a racist rump of a political party. Peter Cawthron is an example of the bigoted and dodgy politicians UKIP have attracted over the years that are still sitting on local councils, despite their national demise.

The posts unearthed by HOPE not hate are shocking, deeply offensive and should have no place in politics. Not to mention Cawthron's desire to use his political position for financial gain.

We hope that Cawthron's conduct is investigated by Tendring Borough Council and that he is rejected at the ballot box by the voters."

Making racist comments

HOPE not hate has uncovered this UKIP councillor's vile racist, antisemitic and misogynistic views:

"I'm a racist. And a racialist. And a Nazi. I'm of an age, and of a sufficiently low social status and sufficiently above median IQ that I can take pleasure in "owning" (I hate that term so much) these words."
Called black people as "n*****s" and "monkeys"
Claimed that Jewish people's "entire history is based on cheating and deceiving the goyim" and calling for them to be deported from Europe and the USA or banned from owning property and working in various industries.
Arguing that women should not be permitted to vote in any national elections.
Boasting of printing and posting stickers for the neo-Nazi‘Hundred Handers'network.
In a Telegram voice note saying "Whenever England play at football or rugby I support the opposition. Am I a bad person? I'm not supporting fucking n*****s"

Taking advantage of his position

Cllr Cawthron has boasted of using his position as a councillor for financial gain, whilst not intending to do any work to represent his constituents:

"In 8 years I'll have got about £46,000 money for nothing, albeit taxable. I'll stand again next year for another £24,000 for doing nothing for four years and lots of chances to fuck with petty authority i.e. the Council. I'm, literally, the least productive Councillor in the UK out of more than 20,000".

"The council pays the train fare, they pay the hotel for one night, they pay for the McDonalds, [...] they'll pay for the burger at Wetherspoon's last night - and if I'm creative and use my bank statement as the receipt, they'll pay for a few drinks as well."

Alleged false claims for disability benefit

Cllr Cawthron has alluded to the idea that he might be claiming disability benefits to which he is not entitled:

After offering to help other members of the chat with their benefit claims, Cawthron claimed to be making an application of his own: "I'm doing it now myself. I've got three years and five months to pension age, and I'm just thinking "fuck this, I don't want to work anymore. Why should I?"

He has insinuated that he was feigning mental illness to obtain the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit. In March 2022 he described in vague terms an appointment he'd recently had with a doctor: "I did feel a bit bad, but I needed to present "as a bit mental" for....reasons. When I told her I felt I had most of the symptoms of psychopathy she seemed a bit concerned!"

"I am "on" prescription anti-depressants and NEVER take them. I have 38 months to retirement age and have no intention of ever working again. I can get by on £1,200 pcm UC, HB and LCW-WRA. And if I can get PIP I'll be cushty. I'm a terrible person. Sorry. 🥃[whiskey glass emoji]🍷"

Notes to editors:

HOPE not hate is the UK's leading anti-fascist campaign group which monitors and tackles the far-right.
Spokespeople from HOPE not hate are available for further comments and broadcast interviews.

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HOPE not hate uses research, education and public engagement to challenge mistrust and racism, and helps to build communities that are inclusive, celebrate shared identities and are resilient to hate.

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