A Nottinghamshire councillor has apologised for an "immense lack of judgement" after being pictured breaking Covid regulations.
Phil Rostance, a Conservative councillor on Ashfield District Council, says his actions were "inexcusable".
It comes after pictures surfaced on social media appearing to show the councillor in a large group drinking indoors.
The group of more than 15 people appeared to be pictured close together, with current regulations stating only groups of six may be grouped together inside in a pub or restaurant.
The councillor, who represents Hucknall West, has apologised to the Manifold Inn in Derbyshire where the pictures were taken - and says he owes the greatest apology to NHS staff who have worked "valiantly" throughout the pandemic.
Cllr Rostance said in a statement: “I would like to apologise unreservedly for the immense lack of judgement I displayed over the weekend.
"I know that after more than a year of COVID restrictions, my actions are inexcusable, and I have also written to the Manifold Inn to apologise.
"Our NHS staff and volunteers have worked valiantly over the past 18 months to keep us all safe, and it is to them that I owe the greatest apology. I remain truly thankful for everything that our NHS has done.”
Cllr Rostance is currently serving his second term as a district councillor, having originally been elected back in 2015.
He recently lost his seat on Nottinghamshire County Council, being beaten by David Shaw of the Ashfield Independents.
