MP calls for Reform to expel new councillor

An MP has called for Reform UK to expel a councillor over social media posts that included reposting comments describing Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy as "like some corrupt African official".

South Norfolk Labour MP Ben Goldsborough highlighted other comments made by Karl Catchpole, who was elected to Norfolk County Council last month.

Goldsborough said the posts were "disgraceful", adding: "We should expect better from anyone in political leadership."

A spokesman for Reform, which is in minority control of the council, said the party had no comment. Catchpole also declined to comment.

Catchpole won the Long Stratton seat in May's local elections . It had previously been held by the Conservatives and is within Goldsborough's constituency.

He has described himself online as "now retired after spending 35 years in the home improvement industry and property investments".

Catchpole has been appointed chair of the council's infrastructure and development committee.

Goldsborough criticised him for posts on X, which included one from February last year in which he reposted an attack on Lammy, who was then foreign secretary but is now Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.