A CANDIDATE has withdrawn from upcoming council elections after claims he used ‘innappropriate language’ in a Chorley pub.

Colin Denby, 72, who was set to represent the UK Independence Party, has withdrawn from the fight for Chorley North East ward in the May 5 ballot.

Mr Denby appeared on Chorley Council’s list of candidate nominations finalised on Monday, but just hours later withdrew after a disagreement, which took place in the Parkers Arms, Chorley, in the early evening.

Mr Denby has now left the party. Nick Hogan, secretary of Chorley UKIP, who was present, along with other party candidates at the Parkers, said he had witnessed ‘language and behaviour which was not befitting of a candidate for the party’.

The allegations came after a group conversation about the recent Blackburn EDL demonstration and immigration.

He added: “UKIP has very strong values on equality and freedom.”

Mr Denby, a former soldier, said: “I have my views, but I’m certainly not racist. This was a jovial and private conversation.

"This country fought wars against tyranny to preserve freedom of speech and I intend to exercise it.”