Deputy mayor resigns over remarks

Swindon's Deputy Mayor has resigned after being accused of making offensive remarks during a meeting.

Councillor Owen Lister, a retired doctor, also represents the town's Abbey Meads area.

Mr Lister is accused of making remarks of a disparaging nature about children with special needs during a Children's Overview Task Group.

On Wednesday, Mr Lister quit his position on that group and apologised for the remarks.

He said the comments were made in a "jocular fashion".

Following meetings with the leader and deputy leader of the Council, he resigned as Deputy Mayor, and as a member of the Conservative group.

He had previously resigned from the task group and has written an apology to Swindon Borough Council's solicitor.