Whitwick's Constitutional Club has responded to complaints about its Bonfire Night 'Guy' which depicted Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

Following the event on November 1, Leicestershire Police were made aware of an 'inappropriate effigy' used on the fire.

'The Conny' issued an apology on social media, which was then deleted.

But a new post on Facebook today (Monday) gives more details about what happened - and encouraged the local community to produce its own 'Guys' next year.

The post says: "For several years now at The Conny we have held a bonfire night and fireworks display. We're proud that it draws so many people in to our village.

"As some of you will know this year there has been a little controversy around our event.

"For those that don't know this year, with a nod towards contemporary politics and the history of Bonfire Night, one of our members placed a cutout of the Prime Minister on top of the bonfire.

"It's fair to say many visitors commented on it and had a laugh. But, as might be expected, there were anonymous complaints to the authorities about something that was supposed to be lighthearted. 

Sir Keir Starmer was the 'Guy' on the bonfire. Photo: © Dominic Dudley | Dreamstime.com

"You can't keep everyone happy all of the time, and we shouldn't try to.

"For hundreds of years, effigies have been placed on to the top of bonfires, whether that is Guy Fawkes or, for example, at the historic Lewes Bonfire Festival just in recent years Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Tony Blair, Nigel Farage, Katie Hopkins and Paula Vennells. 

"Lewes in particular saw 40,000 visitors enjoying their celebration, and their contemporary guys form no small part of the reason behind that huge success. 

"The traditions of Bonfire Night have evolved over 400 years. Our effigy of Sir Keir Starmer is a tiny part of that. It's not calling for violence, it's supposed to be humorous. We don't resile from it whatsoever.

"But it is fair to say that what initially started as a silly complaint makes us reflect on the historical context of Bonfire night. 

"It makes us proud of our nation's history and proud of our community. It makes us more driven to celebrate the proud traditions of Bonfire Night. 

"So, in the spirit of satirical rebelliousness that has dominated Bonfire Night over the centuries, we're proud to announce that next year we will encourage the community to produce their own 'guys' for the top of our bonfire. With any luck it will only increase footfall and awareness of a great community event."