Updated | Councillor Kent Johns 'seeks forgiveness' after remarks made 'under influence of alcohol'

His statement reads:

"I deeply regret my behaviour shown in videos of me under the influence of alcohol, from some years ago, which were recently made public.

"This is not the person I am or the values I hold. Whilst I address the issues that caused me to make this extremely serious error of judgement, I have decided to take a leave of absence from Sutherland Council.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and the community for their unwavering support during this challenging time.

With a heavy heart, I acknowledge a lapse in judgment that has tarnished my commitment to the LGBTI+ community. As a longstanding supporter of LGBTI+ rights, I'm deeply disappointed in my own behaviour.

"I've reached out to those directly affected and again express my sincere apologies.

"I am committed to making amends and ensuring such behaviour does not recur.

My comments regarding the Shire community were not in any way reflective of the respect I have for them.

"I love the Shire and our community which is why I had always worked to the best of my ability to assist and represent the community.

"I seek forgiveness and pledge to uphold the values of inclusivity, respect, and equality that define our community.

"While I undergo the process of dealing with the underlying issues that led to the poor behaviour exhibited, I kindly ask for privacy from the media and others."

Earlier

Sutherland Shire councillor and former mayor Kent Johns says derogatory comments he made about his local community after drinking too much were "stupid remarks that I fully regret".

The remarks were recorded at a local government conference at Cessnock in October 2022 and followed a bruising Liberal Party upper house preselection contest which Cr Johns lost.

The Australian reported that, among a range of offensive comments, Cr Johns told a number of people present: "The Sutherland Shire Council, they do the best for our community - by the way the community is f..ken stupid. They are the dumbest f..kers in the world."

Cr Johns told the Leader, "I have to wear this myself, I drank too much. It was after a nasty preselection".

"It is not the person I am. They are just stupid remarks that I fully regret."

Cr Johns said he was trying to say "Sutherland Shire deserve a better council".

"I was just not putting words together, but that doesn't mean I wasn't responsible for them no matter what you drink," he said.

Further offensive damaging material, including homophobic remarks and offensive actions, was captured in a video taken at the same time.

The release of the recordings are being seen as "payback" following the Cook preselection contest.

Other Liberal councillors were mortified by Cr Johns' behaviour and are privately saying there is no way he can remain part of the team for the council election in September.

Some believe he should consider stepping down immediately.

The Liberal team for the election is expected to be chosen in July-August.

Cr Johns said he would "have to consider everything".

"I was leaning towards not running anyway, I will have to talk to friends and family." he said.