Disabled organisations support Councillor Chris Furlong

Councillor Chris Furlong tweets comparing Iain Duncan Smith to Hitler

Representatives from Manchester Disabled People Against Cuts (MDPAC), Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), Pat’s Petition and Black Triangle have come together to show their support for Middleton councillor Chris Furlong following a controversy that saw him facing potential disciplinary action from the Labour party.

In September, Councillor Furlong posted a tweet that compared Iain Duncan Smith to Hitler.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/98209/councillor-chris-furlong-defends-tweet-comparing-iain-duncan-smith-to-hitler

This led to complaints from the local Conservative Party with Conservative Group leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley calling the comparison "appalling and are totally unacceptable" and demanding his removal from the Labour Party.

Richard Farnell, Labour leader of Rochdale Borough Council, referred the matter to the chief whip to investigate.

In a joint statement, representatives of the disabled organisations said: “We write to let it be known that Chris Furlong has the support of disabled people. We salute him for standing in solidarity with us against the unconscionable attacks on our Human Rights by this government and condemn opportunistic attacks upon his ethical integrity and reputation.

“Councillor Furlong has the full support of the tens of thousands of members represented by our campaigns."

• Rick Burgess, Manchester Disabled People Against Cuts (MDPAC)
• Steven Graby, Manchester Disabled People Against Cuts (MDPAC)
• Linda Burnip, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)
• Debbie Jolly, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)
• John McArdle, Black Triangle Campaign
• Pat Onions, Pat's Petition
• Bob Ellard, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)
• Paula Peters, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)
• Anita Bellows, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) 
• Ellen Clifford, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)

Councillor Furlong said: “I am deeply humbled by the support given to me by the numerous disability groups in the letter.

“I have been campaigning on disability issues for many years and have tried to help raise awareness of how this government and the coalition have been deliberate in targeting some of the most vulnerable people in society and literally hounding them to their deathbeds.

“I will continue to highlight these disgusting government policies and would hope others will join us."