A LABOUR councillor has defended comments he wrote on a social networking website about Baroness Margaret Thatcher.

Middlesbrough councillor Len Junier has been criticised by Conservative Stockton South MP James Wharton for writing "I'd be proud to finish the evil woman off" on Facebook.

The comment was made in relation to a story posted by a member of the Teesside Youth Parliament about the possibility of a state funeral for Baroness Thatcher when she dies.

Coun Junier said his comments were private and not meant to be taken seriously.

"It was a flippant remark and one I would not repeat, " he said. "But it was said in a personal capacity. It was not political.

"I don't like her but this was just a passing comment."

Mr Wharton said: "Whatever his political views, this sort of thing is not acceptable, especially from a local councillor.

"He needs to remember that his political opponents are people too. He may disagree with whatMargaret Thatcher did but that can never justify going onto a local school pupil's website and saying things like this, he should be ashamed of himself. What sort of example does it set?"

Mr Junier said he has had no contact with Mr Wharton, but plans to ring him to discuss the matter.