Questions have been raised over why a councillor is being investigated in Bracknell for ‘stirring up racial hatred’.
John Edwards, an elected representative Sandhurst Town Council, is the subject of a conduct investigation by Bracknell Forest Council.
Councillor Edwards (Independent, Owlsmoor) was previously a member of the Conservative Party.
Now the Bracknell Conservatives have asked why cllr Edwards is being investigated over questions he has raised about the resettlement of Afghan families and individuals in the area.
The accusation is based on a now-deleted post on Facebook attributed to councillor Cherise Welch (Labour, Harmans Water & Crown Wood), claiming cllr Edwards is “deliberately spreading hate”.
The post on the Harmans Water & Crown Wood Community Page has been screenshotted by cllr Edwards, the Conservatives, and published by the Daily Mail and The Sun.
Cllr Welch has denied an allegation that she requested the investigation and a council spokesperson confirmed that.
A post by the Bracknell Conservatives states: “We’ve written formally to the leader of the council and the Borough Solicitor regarding the treatment of cllr Edwards and the conduct of Labour borough councillor Welch.
“Cllr Edwards asked respectful and reasonable questions about the impact of the Afghan Resettlement Scheme on local services — concerns that many residents share.
“For doing so, he now finds himself under investigation.
“Meanwhile, Cllr Welch publicly accused him of “stirring up hate”, claimed to have reported him to the MOD, Police, and Council — and then later denied having done so.
“These contradictions undermine public trust and risk politicising what should be impartial complaint processes.
We are calling for transparency.
We are defending the right of councillors to speak up for residents.
We are asking the Council to reaffirm its commitment to free speech, fairness, and open scrutiny.
“This is not about party politics. It’s about principle. Residents deserve clarity — not censorship.
“We will always stand up for transparency and the right to ask questions.”
The council has confirmed receipt of the letter and that cllr Welch is not the complainant.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the council has received correspondence from The Bracknell Conservative Association.
“It will be given full and proper consideration, in line with the Local Government Association guidelines and our own constitution.
“The council has previously confirmed a code of conduct complaint is ongoing regarding Cllr Edwards and for which Cllr Welch is not a complainant. Any person may register a complaint for investigation if they feel the code has been breached. As this is an active investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further.”
There has been an accusation that the Conservatives are putting community cohesion at risk.
A motion by the Labour Party stating that all people are entitled to safe and peaceful life, and committing the council to devise a communities strategy introduced at a full council meeting in July split Tory councillors.
Councillors Gareth Barnard, Moira Gaw, Dorothy Hayes MBE, Robert McLean, John Hattison and Nicholas Robertson voted against it.
Meanwhile, councillors Nick Allen, Ray Mossom and Tina McKenzie Boyle abstained.
Cllr Edwards stood as a Conservative candidate for Owlsmoor & College Town at the all-out Bracknell Forest Council elections in 2023, coming in fourth place and therefore not being elected.
