A council leader apologised "unreservedly" for posting a picture of a steak dinner on Facebook with the words: "Wonder what all the poor people are doing?" Norfolk County Council's Conservative leader Kay Mason Billig said it was a private joke taken out of context and the comments were "not intended to be about anyone else". A copy of her post, which showed a tomahawk steak, red wine and a salad, wasshared with the Eastern Daily Press. The council's Liberal Democrat group leader Brian Watkins said it made "a mockery of many in our county struggling to make ends meet" and called for her to resign. Mason Billig, who has led the council since 2023 and isentitled to allowances of more than £51,000, said: "Of course I apologise unreservedly if I have caused any offence, it was never my intention to do so." She said the image – taken from her personal Facebook page – was being "twisted into something it isn't". "My husband and I have sometimes called ourselves 'the poor people'," she explained. "It's a private joke as we live fairly modestly, so when we have a treat, we will sometimes post about it. "It's not intended to be about anyone else and is no reflection on people who are less well off than ourselves. "I am deeply disappointed that someone has decided to be this horrible when they must certainly know it's actually self deprecation." While the post was made on her personal page, University of Essex professor of government Paul Whiteley said politicians had to be careful using social media. "To somebody who didn't know her, it would sound like she was being rude about people who are poor, even if that's not what she meant," he said. "That's what it will sound like to the vast majority of people." Watkins, whose Liberal Democrats are the main opposition group on the council, said Mason Billig "should consider her resignation immediately". "A councillor is never off duty. These comments make a mockery of many in our county struggling to make ends meet." Labour group leader Steve Morphew said Mason Billig was "out of touch". Follow Norfolk news onBBC Sounds,Facebook,InstagramandX.
Council leader sorry for 'poor people' social post
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"Norfolk Council Leader Apologizes for Controversial Social Media Post"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Kay Mason Billig, the Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, issued an unreserved apology following backlash from a Facebook post that featured a lavish steak dinner accompanied by the comment, "Wonder what all the poor people are doing?" The post, which included an image of a tomahawk steak, red wine, and salad, was criticized for being insensitive, especially in light of the economic struggles many residents in the county face. Brian Watkins, the leader of the council's Liberal Democrat group, condemned the remark as disrespectful and called for Mason Billig's resignation, stating that it trivialized the hardships faced by those who are struggling financially. In her defense, Mason Billig explained that the comment stemmed from a private joke between her and her husband, who sometimes refer to themselves as "the poor people" in a self-deprecating manner when they indulge in special meals. She expressed disappointment that her words were misinterpreted and clarified that the intention was never to offend anyone or belittle those facing economic difficulties.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of public officials when engaging on social media. Experts, including University of Essex professor Paul Whiteley, noted that comments made by politicians can easily be misinterpreted, leading to public backlash. This incident highlights the importance of sensitivity and awareness in communication, particularly in a political context where the public may perceive statements differently than intended. Mason Billig, who has been in her role since 2023 and receives allowances exceeding £51,000, reiterated her regret over the incident, emphasizing that her post was taken out of context. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Labour group leader Steve Morphew, criticized her for being disconnected from the realities faced by constituents, further intensifying calls for accountability among elected officials in their public communications.
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