News / Politics
Councillor tells Green activist ‘not to forget what country you are in’
In the original version of this article, Daniel Fry was referred to as a Labour councillor. Fry has previously described himself as a Labour councillor, and has campaigned for and endorsed Labour candidates. Bristol24/7 has asked both the Labour Party and Fry if he is a party member. A Labour Party spokesperson says that he is not a Labour councillor and was co-opted as a town councillor to Patchway Town Council in 2023 as an independent local resident. We are happy to set the record straight.
A councillor has backpedaled after telling a Green Party activist “to not forget what country you are in and the heritage this country has and the good it’s done for your community”.
Daniel Fry, who represents Callicroft ward at Patchway Town Council, was replying to a tweet from Fadumo Farah when she shared a photo of the new Labour councillors at Bristol’s City Hall.
is needed now More than ever
Farah noted that “not one black person” was elected as a Labour councillor in the recent local elections.
Farah later clarified to Bristol24/7 that she wrote what she did because former Labour mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, had previously criticised the Greens for their lack of diversity, “so I pointed out what I saw in that picture”.
Fry’s first reply to Farah – who as well as being a Green activist is also the Barton House residents’ rep for Acorn – told her that she is “better then this”.
Fry added: “Please don’t bring race in to it. Labour Party had candidates of all backgrounds that stood to be elected. It’s down to the electorate who they voted of regardless of party politics. @bristol_pip have a quiet word.”
During the campaign to scrap the mayoral model in 2022, former Labour cabinet member Helen Godwin described a lineup of anti-mayor campaigners as “incredibly white”.
Fadumo Farah at the recent local elections count – photo: Martin Booth
In a now-deleted tweet, Fry said that he had “spoke(n) up for you (Farah) with the abuse you had on the doorstep”.
“I was taken aback when I saw your post. I’m saddened you had to bring colour into it. It’s not a personal attack, you have the right to express your views, but let’s not forget what country you are in and the heritage this country has and the good it’s done for your community.”
In a later tweet to Bristol Green group leader, Emma Edwards, Fry said he was originally supportive of Farah, “but colour / race should never be brought in to a debate. I’ll always call this out. It’s 2024. I brought this to your attention.”
Edwards replied: “You don’t get a prize for supporting Fadumo one minute, when she’s getting abuse, and then expect that to excuse you for tone policing or othering her the next. As a white person it is not up to you police when a black woman wants to talk about race.
“And I still have no idea why you thought it needed to be ‘brought to my attention’. Fadumo is her own person making her own points, based on her own feelings. It has nothing to do with me…
“Fadumo always has my support. She’s a valued party member and doesn’t deserve to be spoken to like that!”
Daniel Fry’s now deleted tweet – image: X
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Fry said: “Upon reflection, this post and subsequent replies and many comments I believe have been taken out a context.
“I’m a massive advocate for anti-racism, with family and close friends from all backgrounds.
“This is why my reply was sent, upon reflection, I most definitely could have used a lesser tone to reply.
“I don’t know your reasonings behind the post, but clearly it touched a nerve personally to me, for that my personal feelings clearly took over.
“I believe we should not be speaking about colour or race in any arguments as it’s 2024, but I appreciate there is times that this may have to take place.
“I would be most happy to meet with you and discuss in person, my thoughts and would like to hear yours if the opportunity was to arise.
“It was only just a couple of weeks ago, I shared a post condemning your abuse you received on the door step.
“The abuse I’ve received from selected people, who clearly took comments out of context both for and against, need a period of reflection and maybe ask how they could control their emotions better.
“In finalising, it’s 2024, regardless of policies in Bristol & South Glos. Communities need to work together and treat everyone as equals regardless of opinions.
“Fadumo, if you have taken this personally, I’m very sorry. But appreciate my concerns also (which I won’t air on social media, I would rather have that opportunity to talk privately).
“Wish you and everyone concerned the very best and apologies to those have been offended. I will learn from this engagement moving forward.
“The whole situation has been taken out of context and at no point did I want to upset anybody that’s for sure with my opinion.”
On his register of members’ interests at Patchway Town Council, Daniel Fry says that he is employed by First Bus and PA/AV Entertainment – photo: Patchway Town Council
A Patchway Town Council spokesperson said: “Patchway Town Council are aware of complaints made about Cllr Daniel Fry and have referred all complainants to South Gloucestershire Council’s Monitoring Officer, as per the Town Council’s complaints policy.
“Patchway Town Council are not able to make further comment until it has been considered by the Monitoring Officer.”
It comes just weeks after two Green Party councillors in Bristol shared material relating to the Gaza conflict on social media.
Cotham councillor Mohamed Makawi made false claims about the killing of Israeli citizens, and has since apologised and undertaken social media training.
Meanwhile, Ashley councillor Abdul Malik said he was “unwittingly” implicated by being tagged in a post which showed part of a Hamas press conference.
Main photos: Patchway Town Council / Martin Booth
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