A Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate has stood down after the emergence of a series of racist and homophobic tweets on Monday.

Kevin McNamara apologised for the comments and will no longer contest the marginal Thurrock seat for the party.

“I am deeply sorry for the comments that I made that are currently being reported in the press. These words are deeply offensive and I apologise profusely to everybody that I have offended with these tweets,” he said on Monday evening.

The party had launched an investigation earlier in the day after a series of images emerged purporting to show tweets posted by McNamara that included racial and homophobic slurs.

McNamara added: “I would never want to undermine the voices of those communities with slurs or degradation and it’s important that people who want to represent the public are held to the very highest standard. I am resigning as a candidate with immediate effect for the upcoming election.

“I apologise to all of those I have let down with my past conduct and will work hard to regain their trust.”

A Lib Dem spokesman said: “Kevin McNamara has now resigned as PPC for Thurrock. A disciplinary process has been instigated.” Read more

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