Labour’s Parliamentary Candidates for Sunderland have written to the Leader of the Conservatives in Sunderland, Lee Martin, calling on him to condemn comments which were reported to have been made by Washington Councillor Eddie Wake.

MP Sharon Hodgson along with Julie Elliott and Bridget Phillipson have signed a joint letter which states their belief in upholding key values in public life and calls Councillor Wakes reported comments ‘totally abhorrent’.

Julie Elliott, who will contest Sunderland Central against Mr Martin said:
“I was appalled when I heard these comments and I expect Lee Martin to take action to distance himself and fellow Conservatives in Sunderland from them immediately. I thought the Tories were meant to have changed but this just goes to show how unfit they are to represent the people of Sunderland.”

Bridget Phillipson, who works with victims of domestic violence said:
“I was shocked to hear about this. It shows a complete misunderstanding of the realities of rape and ignores the plight of women across Sunderland and the wider North East who have suffered sexual abuse. I hope Councillor Wake will apologise publicly.”

Washington MP Sharon Hodgson said:
“I think it is important that we stand up and say that there is no place for these views in Sunderland politics. Myself, Julie and Bridget wanted to express our disgust on behalf of women across Sunderland and I would expect disciplinary action against Councillor Wake to be taken as soon as possible.”

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