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📝 Complaint Filed Against Cllr Robert Potts Over AI Image Post

A formal complaint has been submitted to Durham County Council against Councillor Robert Potts following a social media post about foreign aid to Syria. The post has raised serious concerns about racial stereotyping, misinformation, and the responsible use of AI-generated imagery by elected officials.

🖼️ The Post

Cllr Potts shared a Facebook post which:

  • Criticises the UK government for pledging £94.5 million in aid to Syria.
  • Features an AI-generated image showing a Black man pushing a wheelbarrow of cash labelled “Syria.”

⚠️ Why It’s Problematic

1️⃣ Racial Stereotyping

  • The image misrepresents Syrians, who are predominantly Arab/Middle Eastern, not Black.
  • This visual choice feeds harmful stereotypes linking Black people to money, corruption, or undeserved wealth.
  • Even if intended to depict David Lammy (the Foreign Secretary), it carries racialised overtones suggesting Black politicians are diverting British money abroad.

2️⃣ Hostile Environment

  • Posts like this risk creating a hostile or offensive environment for ethnic minorities.
  • The implication that foreigners — depicted through racial imagery — are stealing British resources fuels xenophobia and racism.

3️⃣ Misinformation via AI

  • The AI image could mislead viewers into believing it’s a genuine photo or real event.
  • Elected officials have a responsibility not to spread visual misinformation, especially about individuals or sensitive geopolitical issues.

4️⃣ Disrepute

  • Sharing such content risks bringing the office of councillor and the Council into disrepute.
  • It undermines public confidence and trust in local representatives.

📜 Code of Conduct Breaches Alleged

The complaint argues that Cllr Potts’ post may breach several sections of Durham County Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct:

  • 4.3(j) Respect: Members must treat individuals and groups with respect and avoid personal attacks or offensive behaviour.
  • 4.3(m) Harassment: Members must not create an environment that is hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive, including conduct based on race.
  • 4.3(n) Disrepute: Members must not bring the role of Member or the local authority into disrepute.

📝 Evidence Submitted

  • Screenshot of the Facebook post containing the image and accompanying text.

🔎 What Happens Next?

The complainant has requested a formal investigation under the Council’s Code of Conduct. The outcome will depend on:

  • Whether the Monitoring Officer finds the image and post to breach the Code’s provisions.
  • Whether the post is deemed disrespectful, racially discriminatory, or misleading enough to warrant action.

ReformWatch will monitor this case and update this log if further developments arise.