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The Tories were yesterday accused of failing to take racism seriously after an MSP was caught campaigning with a former candidate suspended because of an online rant against Muslims.

Miles Briggs posed with activists in a group picture including George McIntyre, who was dumped by the party last year for his online comments.

McIntyre had intended to stand for the Tories for a place on Midlothian Council last May.

Leader Ruth Davidson suspended him when the Record flagged up old comments in which he moaned he was “sick to the back teeth” about “whingeing” Muslims.

It was part of a rant about delays to a flu programme amid concerns the vaccine contained pork products.

The new picture was posted on Facebook on February 3 in Penicuik, Midlothian, as activists campaigned for a ­councillor and a new candidate in a by-election.

A Tory spokesman said: “This individual was removed as a member and a candidate at the time, and the local party have been told he cannot be involved in this way again.

“Mr McIntyre’s comments were utterly unacceptable and have no place in the Scottish Conservative Party.”

The SNP said: “Less than a year after McIntyre was caught out for his extremist, bigoted views, he is back out chapping doors and grinning away in photos with Tory frontbencher Miles Briggs.”

Briggs did not respond to a request for comment.