Deputy Fire Chief Stewart Forshaw Suspended Over Alleged Anti-Gay Social Media Post in North Wales

A deputy fire chief in North Wales has been temporarily suspended from his high-paying role after a historic social media post surfaced, allegedly containing anti-gay remarks.

Stewart Forshaw, who earns £122,000 a year in his position, is now under investigation by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service for the post, which reportedly dates back to 2012.

Alleged Homophobic Post Under Scrutiny

The controversial post, which was made on Twitter (now X), has since been deleted.

While the exact contents of the post have not been disclosed, it has drawn significant attention, leading to the suspension of Forshaw.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service quickly acted, launching a full investigation into the matter to determine its authenticity and context.

Chief Fire Officer Responds to Concerns

In a statement released by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday, Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx addressed the situation, confirming the suspension.

She explained, “Following an initial review of the post in question, I took the precautionary step of suspending the deputy while a full and fair investigation takes place.”

Forshaw’s Role and Achievements in the Service

Forshaw was appointed as deputy chief fire officer in 2022 and has been responsible for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity within the service.

He was also honored with an award for Outstanding Contribution in Public Services by Pride Cymru in 2024, which highlights his previous contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

However, the current investigation raises questions about his past views and online conduct.

Commitment to Professional Standards

Docx reassured the public, stakeholders, and colleagues that the service is committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.

She emphasized that transparency and accountability are central to their operations, and the investigation would be handled seriously.

For now, no further comments will be made as the due process unfolds.

Forshaw’s Previous Fire Service Roles

Before his time at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Forshaw worked for both Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Fire Service, where he gained considerable experience in the field.

His long career has been marked by various leadership positions, but this recent controversy has cast a shadow over his reputation.