Reform councillor faces calls to resign over ‘racist’ blackface photograph

A Reform England councilor is facing calls to resign after a photo emerged showing him wearing blackface make-up in what he described as a tribute to Jamaican singer Bob Marley.

The photo, shared by Geoff Shaw in 2017, was branded “racist” by a local resident who discovered it on his Facebook page and reported it to Epping Forest District Council.

Mr Shaw later deleted the image but shrugged off the complaint, saying the Everything Epping Forest resident “shouldn’t have been so nosy”.

Epping Mayor Razia Sharif said: Independent that the image “falls significantly short” of the standards expected of an elected councillor.

He said he could understand “why many residents believed this warranted resignation.”

The mayor added: “This isn’t just about a photo from years ago, it’s about whether someone who wants to represent a diverse community understands the standards that public office demands.

“Public office is a privilege, not a right. Residents have every right to expect better decisions from those who represent them. Based on what has been reported, I believe Councilman Shaw should resign.

“The history of blackface is not ambiguous, and it is not a matter of political opinion. It has its origins in racist caricatures that demeaned and mocked Black people, so many people rightfully find such images deeply offensive.”

Mr Shaw, who represents Theydon Bois in Passingford, said he was “surprised” by the reaction to the photo, which was said to have been taken at his son’s birthday party.

“It was about musical stars and, having spent some very enjoyable holidays in Jamaica, where Bob Marley is a legend, the only option for me was to compliment him,” he told Everything Epping Forest.

The local resident who reported the photo told the local news site that it was “obviously racist.”

Mr Shaw did not respond to their questions. Independent.

Tory Epping Forest councilor Holly Whitbread condemned Mr Shaw’s “disgusting behaviour” and joined calls for his resignation. He wrote of X: “This raises more serious questions about the Reformation review process, or lack thereof, in the UK.”

Mr Shaw became the second Reform councilor this month to come under fire for wearing blackface make-up.

Councilor Derek Wunderley, who was elected to Bolton Council in May, also faced backlash over a photo of himself in blackface published in 2020 but taken nearly 40 years ago.

Mr Wunderley apologized for the photo and said he was dressed as an actor from pop group The Drifters.

“I want to make it clear that I recognize that some aspects of this are not up to today’s standards and are not something I would support or engage in at this time,” he said.

“I regret that a historical investigation was conducted to find fault and that all of this was taken out of context to stop the good work that is currently being done.”

Questions from Reform UK were not answered Independentbut its leader Nigel Farage has criticized the use of blackface in the past.

Last year he demanded an apology from the BBC for the Black and White Minstrels programme, which aired from 1958 to 1978 and featured actors and singers performing in blackface.

He accused the broadcaster of hypocrisy when asked about allegations that schoolmates made racist comments in his youth.

Mr Farage told a press conference: “At the time I am alleged to have made these remarks, one of your most popular weekly programs was Black and White Minstrel Show.

“So I want an apology from the BBC for almost everything you did during the 1970s and 80s.”

A spokesman for Epping Forest District Council said: “Matters relating to complaints against members are considered by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with the Council’s Standard Regulations. It is inappropriate to comment on any individual comments that may be received.”