A COUNCIL candidate has stood down after posting a series of offensive jokes online.

Conservative Party member Ivan Lyons made jokes targeting people who were Muslim, disabled and overweight.

He posted the material on a Facebook page called SPOOJ, Society for Preservation of Old Jokes.

Mr Lyons, who is the managing director of a financial services company, planned to stand in the city council elections on May 2 this year for the Westbourne ward in Hove.

On the company's website, he stated: "I am planning to stand as a councillor and I am keen to help improve my local community within Hove."

But, earlier today the Brighton and Hove Conservatives issued a written statement announcing Mr Lyons' resignation, signed by its chairman Mike Long.

Mr Long said: "Brighton and Hove Conservatives have accepted the resignation of Ivan Lyons, Conservative Party candidate for Westbourne Ward.

"Before being selected as a Conservative candidate, Ivan, in a private social media forum amongst friends, shared jokes which are now in the public domain.

"Brighton and Hove Conservatives agree that many of the jokes are of an offensive nature and we unconditionally condemn the material that has been published.

"Ivan has apologised profusely for any offence that has been caused.

"The Conservative Party, both nationally and locally, does not tolerate discriminatory behaviour against any group.

"We do not tolerate either anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.

"Whilst we do not condone Ivan's behaviour, we do note that he has himself been the victim of social media hate campaigns and condemn all offensive and hate-filled dialogue from whichever quarter it originates.

"Brighton and Hove will announce a replacement candidate for the Westbourne ward in due course.

"We will continue to campaign in a fair and open way on the important issues which face our city and ask that those who disagree with us do so too.

"We thank Ivan sincerely for his service to the city and to Westbourne residents and now consider this matter closed."

Mr Lyons has been contacted for comment.

Christopher Henry, a Labour Party candidate in the Westbourne ward in which Mr Henry planned to stand, responded to Mr Lyons' resignation.

He said: "It’s great that Mr Lyons has acted quickly and done the right thing in resigning.

"Discrimination or abuse of any kind is wrong and for too long the Conservative Party has had its head in the sand over this issue in its ranks.

"We want Brighton and Hove to be a city open to everyone and free of hate so whoever wins the local elections in May will want a team of councillors who are focussed on the important issues such as housing and education."

Brighton and Hove Conservatives have now announced that Councillor Denise Cobb will stand for re-election for the Westbourne ward.

Cllr Cobb said: "Following Ivan Lyons resignation I have thought hard about this. It is important to me that the Westbourne residents are well represented at Brighton and
Hove City Council.

"My experience stands me in good stead to continue to work hard for
them."

She will stand alongside Conservative candidate Charlie Nicholls.

Cllr Cobb said: "I am really looking forward to campaigning with Charlie Nicholls. We will work together in the best interests of Westbourne.”

Charlie Nicholls said: “I am really pleased Denise will be joining me in our campaign in Westbourne. 

"Denise knows how to get things done and together we will be a formidable
team.”