Councillor Jack Woodford, "sorry", but not resigning

6.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jul 2009

Cllr Jack Woodford, Independent Councillor for Wye

Wye's Ashford Borough Councillor Jack Woodford has made an "unqualified" apology after telling a British Asian man to 'move back to India or Pakistan' in a Facebook forum.

His comments were posted on Facebook's anti-BNP discussion board.

During a heated exchange he responded to a user named Nunu Amin to "get back to washing up dishes in whatever curry house you work in."

In a formal statement Cllr Woodford apologised to all members of the discussion group who were offended by his comments. He also apologised for any embarrassment caused to the Council and to the residents that he represents.

He added that he was "not a racist...(and)..not a supporter of the BNP."

A number of councillors have called for him to resign and fight a by-election as a BNP candidate.

Commenting on the story Chris Took, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Ashford said "as a former councillor I I understand that you can sometimes get wound up by others and perhaps say things in the heat of the moment."

"These statements though go way beyond frustration and anger; they are of a racist tone."

"At the end of the day Jack Woodford is accountable to the people of Wye and to Ashford Borough Council. He should listen to the views of his electorate before declaring whether to resign or not."