‘Just to be clear’ - Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams slams critics over Remembrance Sunday poppy image
"Just to be clear, I was wearing a poppy.”
Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams has hit back at criticism over a misleading photograph taken of her at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, describing the comments as "absolutely disgraceful".
In a statement, Cllr Williams said she had been wearing a poppy and paying her respects to those who lost their lives, after a social media post used a photograph of her at the Remembrance Sunday event to suggest she was not wearing one.
She said: "Just to be clear, I was wearing a poppy and, like everyone else there, was paying my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Expressing her disappointment at the post, Cllr Williams added: "I think it's absolutely disgraceful that anyone would use such an important occasion as Remembrance Sunday to make cheap political points. They really should be ashamed of themselves."
Her comments came as she reflected on what she described as a fantastic weekend for Blackpool, with celebrations and events taking place across the town. Among the highlights were Diwali celebrations, the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and a performance of Where We Belong – Sandgrown Song Cycle at the Grand Theatre.
Cllr Williams said: "This weekend we celebrated Diwali with a fantastic evening of colour, music and friendship, remembered together at the Cenotaph, and last night enjoyed another wonderful evening at the Grand Theatre watching Where We Belong – Sandgrown Song Cycle, celebrating the wonderful talent we have in Blackpool."
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She said the events reflected the community spirit that made the town special, adding: "That's the Blackpool I know and love. Good, kind and welcoming people from all our different communities who make this such a special town, who enjoy being together and celebrating what we have in common."
Cllr Williams also questioned the motivation behind the social media post, saying: "Perhaps the person who wrote that post needs to spend a little less time looking for things to be miserable about and a bit more time finding some happiness."
Concluding her statement, she reaffirmed her pride in the town and its residents. She said: "I know which Blackpool I'd rather be part of. And I'm incredibly proud of our town and its people."