A COUNCILLOR accused of making a racist remark to an officer is facing a call to resign.

Mildred Brown, former deputy leader of Labour-run Durham City Council, announced last month she was quitting the party ahead of a national disciplinary hearing that would have considered a recommendation to expel her.

Although no longer a Labour member, Coun Brown has vowed to continue to represent the Sherburn ward on the council.

Now Liberal Democrat parliamentary hopeful Carol Woods is calling on her to stand down.

She said: "I cannot believe Councillor Brown has the audacity to stay as representative of Sherburn Village and Sherburn Hill on the city council.

"The racist remark she is accused of, and which the regional Labour Party thought serious enough to recommend her expulsion, would be a sackable offence in any other employment.

"The people of Durham City deserve better. I call on her to resign from the city council and all other public offices she holds.''

The Labour Party launched an investigation last year after a complaint was lodged about a remark Coun Brown allegedly made to Mac Williams, the council's former principal safety officer.

Mr Williams, now chairman of the city's magistrates, accepted a £6,500 settlement offered by the council - which denied liability - on the eve of his industrial tribunal case for racial discrimination. He would have alleged that he suffered a catalogue of remarks about his colour, including one made by Coun Brown.

When she announced her resignation from the party, Coun Brown said she had been "unfairly tarnished'' by people with their own agenda.

l Carol Woods will contest the Durham seat with Labour MP Gerry Steinberg and Tory hopeful Nick Cartmell