An outspoken ex-mayor was forced to resign as a charity boss after branding Aids victims stupid and promiscuous.

Former Conservative mayor of Sutton Edward Trevor – who served on Sutton Council for 40 years from 1966 to 2006 – made his outrageous comments at the weekend.

He said people suffering from Aids generally got it “through their own stupidity” and were “generally promiscuous”.

Mr Trevor faced a tidal wave of criticism after his remarks on a Jersey radio station and on Tuesday resigned as chairman of the island’s Joint Charities Christmas Appeal.

But an unrepentant Mr Trevor, who moved to Jersey in 2004, said he had no regrets about speaking his mind and said he stood by his long-held beliefs.

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow said: “Anyone who knows Edward will not be surprised by his comments – they’ll know he speaks first and thinks later.

“What he said is not funny and it’s deeply offensive. Making ill-informed comments like that contributes to people being misinformed about HIV.”

Leader of Sutton Council Sean Brennan said: “Edward Trevor no longer has any connection with Sutton Council and these alleged comments go against all efforts to raise awareness of Aids and prevent the spread of HIV.”

Leader of Sutton Council’s Conservative opposition Councillor Paul Scully said: “I don’t agree with what Edward Trevor said. Aids is a serious disease and it affects a lot of people.”

The scandal started when Mr Trevor attacked Aids charity ACET for collecting donations at the same time and place as his volunteers and complained to police.

Mr Trevor – who was Sutton Mayor in 1979 and leader of the opposition from May 2002 until May 2004 – at first insisted he would not resign, then issued a statement saying: “To reduce damage to the Jersey Christmas Appeal I have resigned as chairman and from the committee.

“I thank those who have contacted me, more in support than against, and ask that they continue to help us ensure the needy in Jersey do not suffer at this time of year.

“I trust my resignation will mean an end to the adverse publicity for the appeal and trust it will be completely successful.”

Mr Trevor had said: “People in the West only have themselves to blame for getting Aids, there is no reason it can’t be avoided.

“I’ve held these views for a long time and I’m not ashamed to say what I think.”

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