Resignation calls after Surrey councillor 'disgusted' by residents' behaviour toward asylum seekers

A livestream of the meeting on August 7 showed Cllr Sue Doran losing her temper and then storming out of the council meeting discussing plans for exclusively male asylum seekers at the Stanwell Hotel.

Cllr Doran, who shouted “I am disgusted with the way you’re treating people” at the public gallery, claimed she was frustrated by Conservative councillors.

However, the Tories would argue they were standing up for Stanwell residents and do not wish to demonise refugees.

Speaking after the council meeting, Cllr Doran apologised for her reaction but said: “I was exasperated by certain elements, especially Conservative councillors not from Stanwell, exaggerating the situation and suggesting problems that may never exist.”

The Labour member for Stanwell North said: “Of course, I get upset when people try to run down this area. I should have reacted differently but I am only human and I will defend my community.”

But residents have ripped into the councillor on social media, condemning her “inappropriate” and “disrespectful” outburst.

Launching an online petition, reaching nearly 500 signatures, residents are calling for Cllr Doran to resign.

The campaign states: “Her continued disregard for the concerns of her constituents in relation to the use of a local hotel to house asylum seekers demonstrates a lack of accountability and empathy expected of someone in her position.”

Councillors and residents had gathered at an extraordinary council meeting on August 7 to call for the Home Office to change its asylum plans for the Stanwell Hotel.

Conservative councillors had put forward a motion one step further, urging the government to return the hotel “back to the community” to be used for tourism and local business.

After much debate from councillors of all flags, Cllr Doran said: “We have lots of people within that area who are multi-ethnicity.”

However, she was met with shouts of ‘send them back’ and jeering was heard from the public gallery.

She ran out of the meeting and only returned to vote on the motions, opposing an all-male intake to the hotel but not publicly calling for its closure.

Cllr Doran said: “However, the hotel is a commercial venture and the owners have opted for this rather than its original intended purpose.”

The Labour member said: “This country, like all European states, is facing unprecedented migratory pressures, with people arriving from war zones in Sudan, Eritrea, Syria and Afghanistan, many escaping unimaginable situations.

“I know Stanwell people, in their hearts, want to help. However we also know the challenges we face as a community.”

Cllr Doran, who has lived in Stanwell for 50 years and has been a local councillor for 10 years, said: “Of course I always stand up for Stanwell people, my community, and my friends. I have no intention of bowing to a small minority of people.”

She gave no indication of stepping down and said: “Since the meeting I have had many messages of support and my colleague Labour councillors and I will continue to represent our residents as we were elected to do.”