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Disgraced Tory councillor quits health committee after calling parents of disabled man 'selfish'

A DISGRACED Tory councillor in Norfolk resigned from her committee leadership today after the Morning Star reported her labelling disabled people and their carers “selfish.”

Margaret Stone was chair of Norfolk County Council’s health overview and scrutiny committee.

But she stood down today after having sent an aggressive email to Nick and Judith Taylor, who have a 29-year-old son with Down’s syndrome.

Mr and Mrs Taylor were part of a group of disabled people and carers who organised a meeting on the council premises about the impact of social care cuts in Norfolk.

Not a single Conservative councillor attended the meeting, leading Mr and Mrs Taylor to email Ms Stone to request a meeting with her and other party members.

Only 12 minutes later Ms Stone aggressively responded: “I am increasingly disgusted in your campaign which is so selfish as to believe your needs are greater than the rest of the population.

“Think of the rest of the population of Norfolk when 70 per cent of their council tax goes to you and your family.”

In a follow-up Ms Stone, who has not resigned as a councillor, said: “I am very sorry that the email I sent you caused you and others such distress.

“I recognise fully how insensitive my words were as I know you do everything to ensure your son has the best life possible.”

A council spokesman said: “I can confirm that Margaret Stone has stood down as chairman of the Norfolk health overview and scrutiny committee.”

Disabled People Against Cuts activist Jennifer Jones told the Star: “This is a victory for all disabled people, and our allies.”

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