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Thanet District Councillor Suzanne Brimm wishes council officer Gavin Waite would "pass away"

An outspoken Thanet councillor has caused controversy after posting on Facebook that she cannot wait for members of the authority to die.

Suzanne Brimm – an independent who previously stood for Ukip – shared the message on her own page, which is open to the public.

Above a picture of recently deceased councillor Alan Howes she wrote: "Can't Waite [sic] for certain others at TDC to pass away, their ignorance of the electorate is astounding....just saying! Bring on the thought police!"

Cllr Suzanne Brimm
Cllr Suzanne Brimm

Cllr Brimm removed the post this morning but not before it was screen-grabbed and circulated on social media.

She also confirmed to KentOnline that the spelling of Waite referred to the authority's director of operational services, Gavin Waite.

Twitter user Robert Bird shared the shocking message online, with Cllr Brimm replying: “Officers behaviour of certain elected members is appalling."

Cllr Brimm, who represents Birchington South, defended the post, accusing the authority of making her ill due to various incidents, including an upcoming court case in which she is charged with destroying council records relating to a dog poo identification scheme.

She told KentOnline: "I took the message down this morning. I have high blood pressure because of the stress of dealing with TDC - I have had police at my door threatening to arrest me with my 15-year-old daughter throwing up next to me.

The offending Facebook post
The offending Facebook post

"I am the good guy here and the way I have been treated is unbelievable."

Cllr Brimm also alleges close colleague Alan Howes, whose funeral takes place later today, was under stress for being outspoken on certain issues.

She said: "He brought the council to a standstill when he stood up over the local plan.

"We are a village and residents have legitimate concerns about the number of houses being built here and officers treat badly members who put their head above the parapet and speak out."

Chief Executive of Thanet District Council, Madeline Homer said: "We think this is shocking and appalling behaviour from a member of this council and are seeking legal advice on the matter."

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