Asian councillors have been criticised for linking up with former members of the far-right.

But Liberal Democrat councillors said the Labour Party is simply clutching at straws after being defeated in the local elections.

The comments came following the local elections in Blackburn with Darwen after the ruling Labour Party lost power in the Borough. The new ruling coalition is now made up of the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the For Darwen Party. It is members of the latter that have led some Labour supporters to claim Asian Liberal Democrat councillors should be ashamed of themselves.

Long-standing community worker and Labour supporter Yunus Mangera said Asian Liberal Democrat Councillors should take a long look at themselves for linking up with former members of the far-right party - England First.

"How can these Asian councillors live with themselves? Can they deliver what they have promised?

"I feel that just for the sake of gaining power they have compromised their trustworthiness."

There was talk of a leaflet being produced highlighting the issue but it has not yet materialised.

He also claimed that during elections the Indian/Pakistani race card had been played within the community.

"This Indian - Pakistani ploy was used to gain votes. As far as I am concerned we are all the same but some people didn't feel that way. It was appalling to see that after all these years this was taking place."

"We have let the community down by splitting things up. The Labour party has done a lot for the Muslim community locally and people should not forget that."

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Cllr Waghat hit back after the comments.

"It seems that the self styled defenders of democracy are reluctant to accept the will of the people.

"I will never allow myself or any group I am a member of to work with any group who peddle the politics of hate.

"I have fought racism and bigotry all my life and I do not see any reason to stop now.

"I left the Labour Party because of the inherent racism within the higher echelons of New Labour - both locally and nationally.

"It is a bit rich for the Labour Party to criticise the LibDems for entering into a partnership with the Conservatives and For Darwen.

"At the Annual Meeting of the Council on 17 May 2007 one of the members of the Labour group made a remark which I considered to be extremely racist in its nature. I have made a formal complaint to the Standards Board.

"How many of the Labour Group, especially the normally very silent Asian Labour councillors, have made any form of protest at the despicable behaviour of one of their group members."

"When Cllr Michael Johnson resigned (very publicly at a full council meeting) from England First it was the Labour Party who invited him to join them within minutes of his declaration?"

"I believe the negotiations broke down because the Labour group were not willing to meet the aspirations of the For Darwen group."

Cllr Waghat was also adamant that it was the Labour party that used the Indian-Pakistani ploy.

"As far as I know it was in fact the Labour that exploited it to their fullest advantage.

"The best example was the Bastwell ward where the baradi system was used at it's best or worst on this case."

Councillor Salim Mulla hit back, "I don't think our Asian councillors should be associating with the For Darwen Party. I think to get themselves elected people have changed their beliefs."