Tory candidate: I have let myself and the party down

I unreservedly apologise for publishing inappropriate tweets and re-tweets and I am sorry for the real offence caused.

I recognise that someone standing for public office should show leadership and seek to unite communities, not divide them.

I hope the residents of Brentwood South can forgive my lack of judgement in time.

I have let myself and my Party down and in order to avoid any further embarrassment, I have taken the decision to resign from the Conservative Party with immediate effect.

I will not be asking anyone to vote for me on 22nd May.

I wish the Conservative Party all the best for the future.