Liverpool’s second Lord Mayor inauguration in a year is set to cost tax payers nearly £5,000.
Councillor Peter Brennan was stripped of the ceremonial title in July after it emerged that he had shared racist videos to a WhatsApp group of politicians.
Brennan is understood to have compared a black person to a monkey in the offending post, which prompted council leader Joe Anderson to call for his resignation.
He also stood down from his role as a councillor for the Old Swan ward after the incident, which happened on the 14th anniversary of Anthony Walker’s murder.
“Racist language and behaviour is inexcusable and unforgivable in all its forms,” Mayor Anderson said at the time.
“The video is completely at odds with my values, the values of Liverpool City Council, and all who live and work across the city.
“On behalf of the people of Liverpool I apologise for the offence and hurt caused.”
Brennan’s successor Cllr Anna Rothery will be sworn in as the city’s first black Lord Mayor in a ceremony later this month which is set to cost almost £5,000.
According to the Liverpool Echo, a council contract for catering showed that the second inauguration dinner will cost the tax payers a sum of £4,896.
A council spokesman said: “It is tradition that each incoming Lord Mayor is afforded the courtesy of a welcome dinner to begin their term as Liverpool’s first citizen.
“Every effort is made to keep costs as low as possible.”