Birmingham councillor under investigation for “deeply inappropriate” social media posts

Shabina Bano, who stands for the Small Heath ward, claimed the government had to reach "a certain number" of deaths before lifting lockdowns.

Councillor Shabina Bano was elected for a four-year term at Birmingham City Council this year.

A newly elected Labour councillor is investigating social media posts and her coronavirus views. Councillor Shabina Bano, who stands for the Small Heath ward, espoused sceptical views that lockdowns would not end until “a certain number of deaths” were recorded.

The Facebook posts, unearthed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, were posted in 2020. Responding to one individual post in April 2020 about exaggerated coronavirus deaths, councillor Bano said: “Well, I am sure the government must reach a certain number of deaths before lockdown ends. So, they are playing the game at our own expense.”

Another comment by councillor Bano on a post about two people suffering allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine, published in December 2020, said: “Six dying means nothing. Masses must die before any legal action can be taken. SND, I am sure the company has that covered. Out of 10,000, 800 must die before anything can be done.”

Councillor Bano was elected a new councillor for the Small Heath ward with 2,142 votes - a majority of 137 against her runner-up, Labour Councillor Saqib Khan.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service saw a Facebook post of councillor Shabina Bano

Councillor Bano told the Labour Democracy Reporting Service she apologised “wholeheartedly” for the comments and recognised they were “deeply inappropriate.” “I am not an anti-vaxxer, and I am grateful for the vaccination against COVID-19. In 2021 I volunteered my time to the community, delivering workshops promoting the understanding of COVID-19 and tackling the misconceptions about COVID-19.

“I needed to do this, having been very poorly with COVID-19. I have actively encouraged my friends, family, and community to get their vaccines. I am dedicated to serving and standing for the people of Small Heath who have put their trust in me.”

A Birmingham Labour spokesperson said: "We will be looking into these comments and will ensure that our members are reminded about the conduct that is expected of them on social media."