The councillor who sparked a media storm after saying that disabled children should be 'put down', has decided to try again for his old seat at the May council elections.

Collin Brewer, 68, quit after saying disabled children cost to much, and despite being pilloried in the national and local media, he is standing for re-election as an independent candidate for Wadebridge East ward.

Mr Brewer has claimed that his decision to stand again was a "response from people".

At the time, Mr Brewer, when asked why he made the comment, said: "I was hot under the collar. I don't know why I said it."

He was kicked out of the independent group at County Hall over his comments, and despite initially refusing to stand down, after a chorus of people called for him to resign he eventually quit

The director of children's services at Cornwall Council branded the comments by Mr Brewer, "cruel and ignorant".

Cornwall’s director of Children’s Services, Trevor Doughty, said: "As director of Children’s Services for Cornwall Council I am shocked and disappointed by the remarks made by councillor Brewer.

"The comments were cruel and ignorant and are contrary to the council’s policy of supporting all people with disabilities.

"We are very proud of the disability services provided in Cornwall and wish to totally dissociate ourselves with these completely unacceptable views."

 

RELATED LINKS: Disabled rocked to the core by councillor's statement

Children's services chief calls 'put down' disabled children comment 'cruel and ignorant'