Tory councillor opposes jail for rioters

Guido has spotted these extraordinary comments by Cllr Les Lawrence, a Conservative councillor and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families on Birmingham City Council.

The report says:

Young people involved in riots that have erupted across England should not be sent to prison, a leading councillor has said. Les Lawrence, a Tory councillor and Birmingham's cabinet member for children, young people and families, told CYP Now that sending large numbers of children to custody could end up reinforcing bad behaviour.

Cllr Lawrence is no stranger to controversy - he opposes free schools, opposes academies and has presided over some terrible social work failings.