Video: Bethany Barker introduced Jeremy Corbyn in Newark last month
The general secretary of Nottingham Labour Students has resigned after a string of racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic tweets emerged.
Bethany Barker, who introduced Jeremy Corbyn and gave a speech at the party’s local election campaign launch in Newark last month, posted the tweets between 2012-2014.
In one post she wrote: “I hate bbc one, f****** c**** black f****** b**** I hate everyone #mayday.”
She also makes a reference to a “jew cap” in another tweet and in another describes Jewellery maker Pandora as a “f****t” company.
In a statement, posted on the Nottingham Labour Students Facebook page, she said: “As some of you may have seen on Twitter, some screenshots have resurfaced about what I have said in the past.
“I’m absolutely horrified and beyond disgusted about these tweets and they are in no way representative of the views I hold now.
“I have no recollection of writing these tweets and I am unequivocally sorry for the shadow which has been brought over our society because of it.
“These views are in no way with what I align with today and I am beyond upset that I could ever say such things.
“This society has meant so much to me since I started university and the Labour Party has been held so strongly in my heart since I have been a part of it.
“I am immediately resigning as general secretary of Nottingham Labour Students and know that in the years that I have been part of our movement I have pioneered equality, safeguarding minority groups and social justice.”
Ms Barker introduced Mr Corbyn at last month’s Nottinghamshire event, which was the official launch of the party’s bid to win council seats last Thursday’s local elections.
The screenshots were shared by another Twitter user who had found them n Ms Barker’s old timeline.
Her statement added: “I have changed so much since I was 14, I was not nice and my past is something I am ashamed of. I want to thank the current committee and I sincerely hope this does not reflect negatively on the work the society done.”
Nottingham Labour Students said in a statement: “We reiterate that these comments are not reflective of Nottingham Labour Students’ members and we will do everything as a committee to ensure that our society is an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone regardless of their background, ability, age, ethnicity, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.”
