A Liverpool city councillor has spoken of his regret and apologised after offensive social media posts he made in the past came to light.
Over the weekend, a national newspaper published a number of comments made by Everton Councillor Ian Byrne in 2012 and 2013.
Cllr Byrne, thought to be a lead candidate to become Labour's candidate for the West Derby Parliamentary site had said on Facebook: "‘It can only be a matter of time before Boris Johnson’s mum comes forward and tells us that she was raped by Jimmy Saville [sic] in 1963."
He also posted a joke about the Paralympic games closing ceremony, stating: "Gremlins, demons, funny looking birds, things on fire – is the Paralympics closing ceremony based on a night out in Salford?"
He has also been accused of making a homophobic joke on social media in the past.
Speaking to the ECHO today, Cllr Bryne - a founding member of the Fans Supporting Foodbanks group, which organises charity collections at Liverpool and Everton matches - said he was 'mortified and sincerely sorry' for any hurt and offence his past words had caused.
He said: "Seven years ago I was working in a printing shop and at the start of my political journey.
"It is through political education and becoming active in the Labour Party that I’ve learnt about struggles for disabled rights and LGBT+ rights, and have strived to be an ally in those struggles, as we work to create a more equal society, free from all prejudice.
“That’s the ethos behind what we do at Fans Supporting Foodbanks, to overcome prejudices and divisions and bring the Liverpool community together.
“I’m a very different person now and I’m grateful that the Labour and trade union movement has enabled me and so many other working class people to represent and fight for our communities.”
Cllr Byrne, who also works as an office manager is thought to be the favourite to land Labour's candidacy for West Derby - with fellow Liverpool Labour Councillors Barry Kushner and Nick Crofts expected to be in the mix.
The Labour Party has been contacted for a response.
