THE borough's first ethnic minority representative has vowed to 'stand up' to hate crime and use her role as an elected councillor to 'promote equality and acceptance'.

At her inaugural address to the Wigan Council's chamber, which takes place today, Wednesday, newly-elected Tyldesley Cllr Nazia Rehman is proposing that a campaign be launched to tackle 'prejudice based on race, religion, sexuality, disability, age and gender'.

She will be encouraging other councillors, public agencies and individuals to join her in the fight against hate crime and wants the council to update its approach to promoting the borough as a 'accepting, tolerant and welcoming' place.

The Pakistan-born chartered accountant's call to action follows the murder of MP Jo Cox and a rise in hate crime incidents across the country following Britain's decision to leave the European Union in an historic referendum.

Cllr Rehman said: "I want to promote equality and discourage the surge in hate crime and discrimination we have seen lately from across the country.

“From racial and religious attacks to people with disabilities being called names by officials, it has urged me to speak up to promote equality and acceptance.

“I want to concentrate on working through this trying time and to let people know that directing hatred at people because of their gender, sexuality, race, religion or background won't be tolerated.

"Jo died for what she stood for. We have to learn from her example.

"So I am bringing a motion to encourage councillors, public agencies and individuals in the borough to stand up against hatred and celebrate what we have in common."

During her speech Cllr Rehman plans to say: "In 2013 through our Believe campaign we created a sense of community pride and togetherness was built upon a platform of sporting achievements benefitting the borough with an enhanced national and international profile.

"Wigan Council had a clear role to play in supporting and shaping the community at this unprecedented time.

“I believe we now need a campaign that raises wider issues, including prejudice based on race, religion, sexuality, disability, age and gender.

"The aim is to demonstrate that the borough is accepting, tolerant and welcoming regardless of an individual’s circumstances.”

Following reports of racist incidents following the Brexit referendum result, GM interim mayor and police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “People across Greater Manchester will condemn racist attacks which have been reported in different parts of the country in the wake of the EU referendum result.

“There is no room in Greater Manchester for hatred and division.

“We have worked hard, together, to build strong, cohesive and welcoming communities.

“Hate crime devastates lives and has no place in our society.

“Along with police and partner agencies, we have been reviewing the effectiveness of Greater Manchester's network of independent hate crime reporting centres.

“In the light of the upturn in abuse that people face, this work will now be accelerated.”