Witham town and Braintree district councillor Angela Kilmartin has been criticised over comments she made on a Facebook post last week.

In the comment, the Conservative councillor said she did not want any "Pride sex flags" along the town's High Street.

Now, the Witham Constituency Conservative Association has confirmed Ms Kilmartin has been suspended pending a full investigation.

A spokesman said: “Witham Conservatives were recently made aware of comments posted on social media by a councillor in relation to pride flags.

“In consultation with the council group, the councillor in question has been suspended from the Conservative Group pending a full investigation.”

Ms Kilmartin was a former mayor of Witham from 2021 to 2022 (Image: David Islip)

Ms Kilmartin has been under fire since the comments were made last week.

The post, which was made over the purchase of new Pride flags for businesses to replace ones which had been attacked with eggs, saw Ms Kilmartin take to the comment section on her personal account.

She said: “I don’t want Pride sex flags along my High Street.

“I don’t even want heterosexual flags along my High Street.

“Sex is for the bedroom and private life - not for displaying preferences in public.”

She later reiterated her stance in respone to some criticism in the comments, saying: "I say again, I don't want ANY sex flags in my High Street.

"I'm sorry you feel unsure and uncertain about your sexuality and want reassurance from your community.

"Flags won't do that for you, only your inner acceptance of your circumstances will achieve that."

Councils 'disown' comments made 

Both Braintree Council and Witham Town Council said they were aware of the comments and have “disowned” them.

Witham Town Hall displaying the pride flag in June 2020 (Image: Witham Town Council)

Witham Town Council leader Michael Lager added: “I was disappointed to hear of this post as Witham Town Council have policies to promote equal and fair treatment for all, that have been subscribed to by all its elected members.

“We celebrate the diversity of Witham and recognise this within our own organisation in everything we do. We expect our councillors and staff to do the same.”

"The comment was made under my personal account"

Ms Kilmartin defended her comments.

Talking to the Braintree and Witham Times, she said: "I made my social media reply to a facebook comment under my own name.

"Another contributor picked it up after some time but it remains the fact that I did not comment as a councillor. 

"My own personal comment remains online along with detractors and others.

"Hundreds of wellwishers have been in touch through a variety of media.

"I am sure that all the townspeople of Witham value democratic freedoms within the law - I do."