A NUMBER of councillors have criticised the decision to allow Ben Lloyd-Shogbesan, who posted offensive statements on Facebook, back into the Labour group.

The ruling Labour group at the town hall has suspended the Lye Valley councillor and he will have to serve as an independent for three months from October 1.

Mr Lloyd-Shogbesan, who will be allowed back into the Labour group on January 1, caused offence with contentious Facebook posts, including one of an ‘anti-Semetic’ nature comparing Nazi Germany to Israel.

Another post claimed cancer was not a disease but a business.

Liberal Democrat group leader Andrew Gant said: “Labour have taken the wrong course of action. I’ve said consistently that his behaviour is incompatible with continuing as a councillor, and I still think that.”

Green group leader Craig Simmons said: “ I am extremely disappointed that Labour, even after admitting that his personal conduct was totally unacceptable, have chosen to readmit Cllr Lloyd-Shogbesan to their group.

“If this had been someone from another party they would certainly have been forced to resign.”

Independent city councillor for Marston Mick Haines said: “I think Mr Lloyd-Shogbesan should step down.”