Calls for probe into ‘homophobic’ posts on councillor's Facebook page

The row centred on the social media account of Cllr Imtiaz Ali, who is a Conservative member representing the Beardwood ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council.

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On Sunday evening, a news story alleging that Labour MP Keith Vaz met with male prostitutes was shared on Cllr Ali’s account.

Underneath a comment was posted ‘Married Labour statesman Keith Vaz met prostitutes’ followed by a phrase in Punjabi.

That phrase is widely known as a term of homophobic abuse, interpreted as derogatory towards gay people.

Yesterday, Cllr Ali said he had not personally created the post adding that it had been produced by ‘a friend who has access to my account’.

He disputed the meaning of the phrase, saying it could be translated as ‘male prostitute’.

He said: “It was posted by someone who has access to my account.

“I regret very much that it was posted.

“I will not allow something like this will to happen again on my Facebook.”

Labour councillors condemned what they said was an ‘offensive’ remark.

Cllr Quesir Mahmood, who is a ward councillor for Wensley Fold, said: “Keith Vaz’s personal situation is for him to deal with.

“For another public figure to allegedly make homophobic comments is wholly unacceptable and there needs to be investigation by the Conservative Party.

Cllr Phil Riley, said: “I am shocked that an elected member would allegedly make such an offensive remark.

“One would expect the Conservative Party to take swift action if proven as it would be totally unacceptable and a serious matter.”

Cllr John Slater, leader of the Conservative group on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “All in our group unequivocally condemn the use of any form of racist or homophobic language.

“I have spoken to Cllr Ali and have accepted his explanation on how this incident occurred.”

Yesterday, Keith Vaz returned to work in the House of Commons after becoming embroiled in the scandal.

He is facing a possible investigation by House of Commons sleaze watchdogs as the fallout from reports that he paid two male escorts for their services threatens to overwhelm his career.

The high-profile Leicester East Labour MP indicated that he will stand aside as chairman of the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee after publicly apologising to his wife and children for the ‘hurt and distress’ he caused them.