CHAFFORD Hundred councillor Neil Rockliffe has been suspended from the Tory group while they investigate his “Chaffrica” comment on Facebook.

The leading Tory, and former cabinet member for Transport at Thurrock Council, made the comment “missing being in Chaffrica” while he was on holiday.

He has apologised but denied the comments were racist or relating to his ward, and says he was referring to his over grown garden.

Tory group leader, and former Thurrock Council leader Garry Hague, said that the group had suspended Mr Rockliffe while they investigate.

He said: "Councillor Rockliffe has accepted that he made a grave error in the post he made on his personal face book page. He has made an unreserved apology for any offence that might have been caused.

"The Conservative Group, and the Conservative Party, aims to promote the highest standards of conduct amongst its members.

“Whilst Councillor Rockliffe has a positive record thus far in serving the residents of Chafford Hundred and of Thurrock, all members must uphold these standards.

“We are extremely concerned over the potential offence that may have been caused in this case and, through the Conservative Group rules, we are reviewing what sanction should be applied to Cllr Rockliffe.

“The final sanction will be the subject of the decision of the Conservative Group of Thurrock Council. In the interim, Councillor Rockliffe will be suspended from the Conservative Group."