The deputy police and crime commissioner for Hampshire has said white men "are not being given equal opportunities" and the number of women in the region’s fire service should be slashed.
The comments from Conservative councillor Luke Stubbs came after he reportedly objected to a report on ‘equality objectives’, which outlined plans for a more inclusive fire service, including hiring more women and people from minority groups.
"The government is bringing in quota programmes across the public sector, but only where it benefits women and minorities," he told the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Authority meeting on Tuesday.
"In areas where it’s mostly men it has to be 50/50, but in areas where it’s mostly women there’s no change.
Cllr Stubbs
"Things like the control room have 84 per cent women and I would like assurance that steps are being taken to reduce that."
The Andover Advertiser reported that a number of local politicians were critical of Cllr Stubbs views, with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service making it clear that equality quotas do not exist.
Cllr Rhydian Vaughan MBE, who chaired the meeting, said: "Listening to Mr Stubbs’ opinion you would think we’ve got our equality system all wrong, which I don’t believe at all."
Cllr Stubbs responded: "I can express whichever views I wish – these are my personal views and I think they are shared by the majority of the public.
"I’ve not seen any surveys, but that’s what I believe."
Only last year Mr Stubbs, who is also a Conservative councillor on Portsmouth City Council, told colleagues that gender pay gaps are a "fake narrative" and that he believes "men are the victims"