Joe Barrett apologises after wading into Farage row

Joe Barrett, a Wymondham town councillor, posted his comments to social media after it was announced that Mr Farage would give a speech at an election rally in Great Yarmouth. 

Mr Barrett said that Reform UK supporters would "have their milkshakes ready" - a reference to an incident last week when a woman hurled a drink at the leader's face during his election campaign in Clacton - in order to "get Mr Farage in the papers". 

The Green councillor later apologised for his comment and said he had been "mistaken" in believing the incident was an "inside job".

This follows false online reports - which were quickly debunked - that the drink had been thrown by Emily Hewerston, a Brexit-supporting influencer with a prominent online profile.

Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage carried McDonald's banana milkshakes to make light of the incident (Image: James Manning/PA)

Mr Barrett said: "I have since discovered that it was not one of his supporters who threw the milkshake so I apologise for my comment and recant it, although I did honestly believe this was the case due to media reporting, and believed my comment was truthful.

"I now recognise that I was mistaken, even though I was speaking honestly. Unfortunately, this is an occupational hazard in the world of politics as things move quickly and comments are made too lightly at times, but I will be more careful in future.

"I do not condone or support criminal behaviour - and I am strongly against any harassment or harm coming to any politician or political candidate, no matter what their political views are."

Nigel Farage has a milkshake thrown over him as he leaves the Moon and Starfish pub (Image: James Manning/PA)

Mr Barrett, 25, was recently in the spotlight after introducing a 'red card' system at Wymondham Town Council, designed for members who are experiencing high levels of anxiety. 

The measures will see councillors hold up cards to indicate they need to leave the room for mental health reasons, and allow them to exit to a specially-designated room next door where they will be provided with water and advice on 'grounding techniques', such as breathing exercises.

The system was met with backlash from former councillor Tony Holden, who felt he had been "scapegoated" after Mr Barrett suffered a "psychiatric emergency" at a meeting in February. He felt the issue had been taken too far by the council and dubbed members the "Wymondham wets".

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Mr Holden exiting the meeting in February (Image: Wymondham Town Council)

Following his statements about Mr Farage on social media, Mr Barrett encouraged people to contact Wymondham council directly if they wished to complain about him. 

He added: "I do take issues with how many people promoting far right beliefs play the role of the victim while calling for the victimisation of others.

"I will leave my original comment up for transparency and accountability, although will add an edit to make it clear I was mistaken, even though it was an entirely honest mistake.

"I hadn’t realised I was mistaken in my understanding it was an inside job, when it actually wasn’t."

Mr Farage was leaving a pub in Clacton-on-Sea, where he is standing in the General Election, when a banana milkshake was thrown over him last week. 

Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court following the incident, having been charged with assault by beating and criminal damage, Essex Police said.

Mr Farage will give a speech at an election rally at Great Yarmouth Racecourse on June 11 as he continues on his campaign trail.