Row As Labour Candidate Calls Queen Vermin

3:53pm UK, Monday November 16, 2009

Damien Pearse, Sky News Online
A row has erupted after a Labour Party candidate called the Queen a "parasite" and likened her to "vermin".


Not amused: Peter White's comments have been slated by the Tories

Peter White used the Facebook networking site to express his feelings about the monarch to Tory MP Andrew Rosindell.

Mr White is contesting the South Hornchurch council ward in Havering next year.

The former election agent in Romford made his comments as he condemned plans to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Mr Rosindell last week presented a bill calling for a national holiday to coincide with the anniversary.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a public holiday but lets [sic] have one that means something, rather than celebrating vermin.

Peter White's Facebook message

South Hornchurch is in the constituency of Dagenham and Rainham, currently held by Labour's Jon Cruddas.

Mr White wrote: "What is the point of celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of someone who is born into a position of privilege, she is a parasite and milks this country for everything she can.

"She has more front than Margate asking for extra money from the civil list. Maybe she should sell a couple of her properties.

"Maybe if she wants Buckingham Palace to be maintained from public funds she should open it to the public.

Facebook message

The full Facebook message

"Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a public holiday but lets [sic] have one that means something, rather than celebrating vermin."

Romford MP Mr Rosindell said he was "disgusted" by Mr White's remarks.

He told Sky News Online: "I think for someone holding a responsible position in the Labour Party to state publicly that the Queen is a parasite and vermin is most outrageous and disgusting.

"He wrote the comments on my Facebook and immediately dozens of people started slating him.

"He tried to justify himself but he quickly removed the post. I think he's gone to ground."

Mr White today appeared to stand by his remarks.

"Maybe you could say I went too far, but that's for other people to judge," he told the London Evening Standard.

"I think that Republicanism is a valid viewpoint and there are plenty of people who agree with me."

A London Labour Party spokesperson said: "Peter White has been summoned to a meeting with key members of the local party and officers from the London Regional Labour Party.

"He will be required to explain his comments and they will consider his future."