A Liberal Democrat councillor has been forced to apologise after tweeting a photo of a plate of bacon in “solidarity” with Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Ian Manning, a county councillor in Cambridgeshire, was taking part in “Lib Dem Iftar”, where Liberal Democrats fasted with Muslims for one day on Saturday.

He tweeted a photo of a plate of bacon and boiled eggs, with the caption: “Up early to start my fast for #LibDemIftar! Really not sure I’ll get through to the evening but we’ll see!”

After it was pointed out to Mr Manning that Muslims do not eat pork, he deleted the tweet and apologised.

“Re food photo earlier. Important point is the fast. Allergies mean choices limited,” he said.

“This is a learning experience, and I'd prefer to be honest about it than not. Sorry if it caused offence.

“Also, it was 4am and I was half asleep.”