Director of Children’s Services steps down from domestic abuse role over ‘misogynistic’ tweet

Liverpool City Council’s Director of Children and Young People Services has stepped down from his role leading the Council’s domestic abuse strategy after backlash from a post on his Twitter account joking about his mother-in-law drowning.

“I am writing to let you know that after 3.5 years chairing the DASG, and in light of recent events and reactions, I am stepping down immediately,” Steve Reddy wrote to members of the Domestic Abuse Strategy Group.

Reddy, who until today led the Domestic Abuse Strategy Group, has since deleted the tweet and apologised but denied that he was a misogynist.

“I am not and have never been a misogynist,” Reddy wrote, continuing: “I believe any of my colleagues, families or friends will confirm this, as will any scrutiny of the last few years of my actions or social media activity.”

Tweeting last Friday, Reddy wrote: “Friday (clown emoji). Mrs R still angry with me because I didn’t open the car door to help her mother out. But as I’ve said – I just panicked and swam to the surface! Compounded this somewhat by the wreath I ordered in the shape of a lifebelt – but it’s what she would have wanted…”

Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS) labelled the tweet “misogynistic”, saying it “minimised VAWG (violence against women and girls) by humour."

In a statement, Liverpool’s acting Mayor Wendy Simon and the Council’s Chief Executive Tony Reeves said they were aware of a tweet posted by the Director of Children’s Services.

“An investigation will take place and the appropriate action will be taken," they said.

“The tweet has since been deleted and Steve Reddy has apologised unreservedly for the unintentional offence caused.”

A spokesperson for the council said it “does not condone misogyny or violence of any kind,” adding that all staff who use social media had been advised to “think carefully before they post and share content”.