Conservative councillor suspended over autism remarks

A Conservative councillor has been suspended by her party after suggesting parenting skills were partly responsible for autism cases.

Angela Sandison, councillor for St Alphege ward in Solihull said during a meeting with the Council’s children’s services scrutiny board meeting that some mothers should be encouraged to spend less time on their phones.

She has issued an apology and stepped down from the committee, saying that she was “very sorry for the upset caused”.

Adding: “In no way is autism due to bad parenting. Autism is real and I in no way meant to blame parents.”

Michael Gough, chairman of the board said on Twitter that Sandison had also had the Tory whip removed.

Formal complaints have also been submitted to the local authority.

Council Leader Ian Courts has said he will work with parents and guardians to permit “further learning for all elected members on all aspects of working and living with children and young people with special needs”.