DORSET’S famous cosmetic giant Lush has suspended its controversial campaign after growing staff safety concerns.
Window displays with the slogan “Paid to lie” were put in Lush stores last week, including the branch on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth.
However, following a substantial public outcry, which featured strong comments from serving police officers, the firm has said staff safety has led to them pulling the campaign.
Lush confirmed the displays had been withdrawn for the time being.
In a short statement, the company said: “For the safety of our staff we have suspended the window [display].”
Previously Lush said the campaign is not about the “real” police work done by front line officers.
It added that it is about a “controversial branch of undercover policing that ran for many years before being exposed”.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill also faced a social media backlash after supporting Lush.
He spoke out in support of the company, which donated a total of £45,000 to his two election campaigns.
There have been calls for him to resign and to pay the campaign money back to Lush boss Mark Constantine.
In a statement, Mr Underhill said it should be made clear the campaign is not about policing in general.
He posted his response on the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Facebook page prompting hundreds of comments from members of the public.
Among them were former colleagues from Mr Underhill’s career in the police.
Stuart Davison said: “Nice to see you are supporting a company that has financially supported you instead of the people you are paid to support.”
Claire Elizabeth added: “It is my honest belief that you should be returning the donations Lush gave you towards your two previous campaigns.”
The Daily Echo attempted to contact Mr Underhill but he failed to return our calls. A spokeswoman for his office said he does not wish to comment further.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel