Derbyshire Conservative councillor under fire over ‘disgusting’ comment on free school meals Facebook post

On Wednesday, the Sheffield Online Facebook page published a post about the national initiative, which will relaunch on Monday and offer supermarket vouchers worth £15 a week for each child eligible for free school meals.

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Commenting on the post, Mo Potts, who represents Killamarsh West for the Conservatives on North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “Let’s hope they get spent on food.”

Councillor Ross Shipman, Liberal Democrat group leader on the council, said her comment had brought the authority into 'disrepute’.

He added: “She says ‘let’s hope they spend it on food’ as though somehow low income families are renowned for spending it on booze, fags and drugs – it’s a myth.

“This adds to the stigma and why many families go hungry rather than seek help.

“I’m absolutely disgusting that she would say this.

“She needs to apologise – particularly to her own residents in Killamarsh who will be receiving this support.”

Replying to Coun Potts’ comment, one woman said: “What’s with the judgment? Why are you making sweeping statements about people you don’t know?”

Another said: “As a councillor you should educate yourself on these issues before commenting.”

A number of people pointed out that the vouchers can only be spent on food.

Coun Potts declined to comment when contacted by the Derbyshire Times.

The free school meals voucher scheme ran through the first lockdown and various holidays last year.

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