The deputy leader of a county council has stood down after he said “all Tories should be shot” during a meeting.

The comment has been criticised by the Welsh Conservatives who said it was “completely inexcusable”.

Independent councillor Ieuan Williams has apologised for the “crass” remarks and has referred himself to the standards committee.

The Conservatives’ shadow minister for local government in Wales, Sam Rowlands, said: “Councillor Williams’ comment was dreadful and completely inexcusable.

“Politicians in Britain have faced substantial levels of abuse, and two MPs in recent times have lost their lives.

“The left often like to virtue signal about a kinder, gentler politics, but then come out with comments like this.”

Conservative MP Sir David Amess died after he was stabbed multiple times at his constituency surgery in 2021, while Labour MP Jo Cox died in 2016 after she was shot and stabbed after holding a constituency surgery.

Chief executive of Anglesey County Council, Dylan J Williams, said the comment was “inappropriate and unacceptable”.

“As chief executive, I am not responsible for individual comments made by elected members,” he said.

He confirmed Cllr Williams had referred himself to the chair of the council’s standards committee.

“In the meantime, he has also stood down as deputy leader and education and Welsh language portfolio holder,” he added.

“Cllr Williams has accepted that his remarks were unacceptable and has apologised.”

‘Emotionally charged’

In a statement, Cllr Williams said: “I apologise profusely for any offence caused by my inappropriate comment.

“The remark was made at the end of an emotionally charged statement, following a presentation on poverty on Anglesey.

“I am obviously not advocating shooting anyone and have apologised to all members present at the meeting.

“I have also referred myself to the Standards Committee and have stood down as deputy leader and member of the executive whilst any potential investigation takes place.”

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The independent councillor for Lligwy said “being able to help the most vulnerable in our society” was his motivation as councillor.

He added: “Whilst I apologise for, and withdraw, my crass remark I hope the people of Anglesey will see that the real issue here is my passion in fighting the corner of the most vulnerable in our society against a party which seems happy to forget about them.”

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