 In 2006, he made a written apology to newly elected Respect Councillor Salma Yaqoob following remarks he made that she would be "better off in Oldham or Burnley".Yaqoob had criticised the Council leadership for the absence of Black or Asian Councillors in the Council Cabinet or in senior positions such as Chairs of Scrutiny Committees.In February 2007, Whitby withdrew remarks which attracted the attention of mental health charity Mind.