Councillor quits in 'racism' row

Councillor Ronnie Calvin is accused of making a racist remark

A Cumbrian councillor will not be standing for re-election after being accused of making a racist remark.

Ronnie Calvin has said he will stand down from the Hensingham and Arlecdon council seat he has held for 28 years.

Ex-miner and cub scout leader Mr Calvin said he had not meant the phrase he used in a racist way.

He was partially suspended by the council after a member of staff accused him of using a racially offensive comment in a conversation they had.

Mr Calvin, 74, said: "It was a phrase I have grown up with, I didn't mean it in a offensive way.

"I'm not a racist, I just fell foul of the government."

He added: "I feel sorry for the people I've left behind. I can't help them now."

'Moral high ground'

Cumbria County Council's standards committee partially suspended Mr Calvin on 6 April after an investigation into a complaint made against him by a member of staff.

The fellow employee informed the committee he told Mr Calvin he should not be making comments of a racially offensive nature.

Mr Calvin carried on making the offensive comments when a black member of staff walked into the room, said a council spokesman.

The council said that while the breaches of conduct were serious, it felt a total suspension was not appropriate as the politician had admitted and apologised for his actions.

Mr Calvin said of the committee's decision: "They're just taking the moral high ground. If that's what politics is these days then they can keep it.

"This government now, you've got to tick boxes, fill out paperwork, and write big words, then you get a slap on the back. But nothing gets done."

When asked if he had any regrets about his comment, Mr Calvin said: "Aye, but I'm probably better out of it (politics)."