There are calls for the resignation of two leading Norfolk politicians who called sufferers of mental illness "nutty" and "mental" after it emerged they had refused to complete equality training.

There are calls for the resignation of two leading Norfolk politicians who called sufferers of mental illness “nutty” and “mental” after it emerged they had refused to complete equality training.

Yesterday it was revealed that chairman of Breckland Council Roy Rudling and Breckland councillor Earl Cathcart refused to finish the training offered by the council last year describing it as a waste of time.

The two councillors were condemned by the Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership Trust after they made the derogatory comments during its presentation to the council on Thursday.

Despite claiming that all councillors had gone through equality training Breckland Council later admitted that both councillors refused to fill-in a questionnaire and complete the training course.

Deputy chief executive of Norwich and District Mind Sandra Flanagan said: “They should not be allowed to be sitting in a position of authority if they are not willing to learn to be compassionate towards different groups in society.

“I think it is absolutely appalling that they have refused training when they clearly need it.”

About 200 councillors and officers from the council completed the course.

Breckland director of marketing and communication Mary Palmer said: “Those two did not complete it, I think this does highlight the importance of equality training.”

Speaking after the comments were made Earl Cathcart said he had no prejudice against people with a mental illness and yesterday Mr Rudling issued an unreserved apology to sufferers and the trust.