A DEPUTY mayor has been suspended by the Labour Party after becoming embroiled in a race row.

Gateshead councillor Jim Batty, who is the subject of an internal party investigation, denies all allegations.

The inquiry is believed to concern alleged racist comments made by the long-serving magistrate.

Coun Batty, of High Fell, faces losing his safe seat on Gateshead Borough Council because the deadline for nominations for the June local election is less than three weeks away. Unless the inquiry has concluded, Coun Batty will be barred from standing.

The councillor, who represents High Fell ward, said yesterday: "The allegations are absolutely untrue. I haven't made any racist comments at all. I am absolutely not a racist. I am absolutely innocent of these allegations.

"Four members of my family are coloured and I would hardly be racist against my own family."

The married father-of-two is banned from attending Labour Party meetings and has had the whip withdrawn while the inquiry is ongoing.

It could take up to three months to complete but the deadline for nominations for the local elections in June is May 11.

The ward's two other councillors, Malcolm Graham and Brian Richmond, are both standing for re-election. A fourth, as yet unnamed, person is also expected to stand.