Murphy also shared another Facebook image that had a watermark with the web address for the far-right group Britain First, and another image showing the hashtag #PegidaSupporters.

Both Murphy and the Conservative Party confirmed to BuzzFeed News that he has now been reinstated as a Tory councillor.

A party source said he had served his suspension and that it was now complete, and that he is now sitting again as a Conservative.

A Conservative spokesperson said: “When CCHQ was made aware of these posts, an immediate investigation was launched.

“As a result, Mr. Murphy accepted his conduct was not acceptable and he was served with a suspension from the party.”

Asked by BuzzFeed News if he was a Conservative councillor, Murphy replied: “Yes.”

Yet Murphy’s ongoing Facebook activity will raise further questions about the Tory Party’s handling of such complaints.