THERE are calls for a former Taunton mayor to resign as a councillor after he tweeted a video comparing the leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) to Adolf Hitler on Holocaust Memorial Day.

The 59-second video was uploaded to YouTube on January 27 and has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, as well as from county Holocaust memorial organisers.

The clip, featuring extracts from classic war film Downfall, shows Hitler angrily discussing plans over a map of Berlin overlayed with a map of Taunton Deane and West Somerset while the voice in the background explains the proposed merger between the councils.

Soon after, Hitler is shown on-screen named as ‘Cllr Johannes Williams’ – a reference to TBDC leader, John Williams, whose voice is also overlayed.

The origin of the video is unknown, posted by a YouTube user named ‘John Williams’ alongside other videos parodying the council leader.

The clip quickly made its way to social media and was shared by former Taunton Mayor and Lib Dem councillor Jefferson Horsley, who tweeted: “Watch this for how TDBC is being eviscerated by John Williams and his Gauleiters.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Cllr Horsley's Twitter post, which has since been deleted.

Cllr Williams has now called for Cllr Horsley to resign.

He said: “This tweet – published on Holocaust Memorial Day – is, frankly, beyond belief. It is totally unacceptable and goes far beyond the normal cut and thrust of debate.

“It is repulsive and shameful. While strongly held views can be accepted, to stoop to this horrific level of behaviour is to be condemned. There is no excuse and it is contemptible.

“The honourable course to take would be for this person to resign.

We are proposing to create a single new, modern and fit-for-purpose council that will enable us to make savings of at least £3.1m for the taxpayer and help us to protect services valued by the community, cut red tape, reduce duplication and keep council tax bills low.

“This is about creating a new council that puts local people first and is fit for the 21st century.

“The two councils have been working well and very closely for three years but the increasing challenges on us mean we must to take this step to get the best for all our residents.

“The proposal to stand down the two existing councils and create the new, single authority, went through a detailed options process before local councillors made their decision, with a clear majority in favour of creating the new council.

“The final decision on the creation of a new council lies with the Secretary of State.”

WATCH: The controversial video that compares Cllr Williams to Adolf Hitler.

After it was shared, a Twitter row broke out between Conservative Cllr Roger Habgood, Cllr Horsley and Independent Cllr Ian Morrell, with Cllr Habgood branding it “disgraceful” and Cllr Morrell replying sarcastically about the dangers of a dictatorial regime.

Holocaust Memorial Day events were held in Taunton, the organiser said the session was “very moving”.

Leonard Daniels, chairman of the Somerset Anne Frank awards and organiser of Holocaust Memorial Day events in Taunton, said: “The video is over the top. It is completely disproportionate. John Williams is not responsible for the burning of millions of people. I don’t take this analogy lightly.

“This video has been made by someone totally insensitive and who doesn’t understand the severity of the occasion. For people to take it and use it for local politics is almost too ludicrous to take seriously.

“It is completely wrong, politically and morally.

“I am surprised at Jefferson, it is completely out of order. I don’t know John Williams personally, I’m not sure if I agree with his politics, but there’s not many people that can be compared to Hitler.”

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When the County Gazette contacted Cllr Horsley, he said he’d had a change of heart.

He said: “I have since deleted the Tweet as it was inappropriate and in poor taste. I have learnt a lesson from it.”

Leader of the opposition Lib Dems, Simon Coles, also condemned the video.

He said: “I find personal attacks deplorable. I think there is a very good reason people my age shouldn’t be on social media. I am not responsible for what other people put on their social media accounts.

“Personal attacks have no place. I wouldn’t like to see a personal attack on anyone, no matter who they are. We need to respect people.”

Police have confirmed a complaint has been received in relation to the video.