It is astounding that in the very week we are commemorating the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery, Councillor Brian Gordon was pictured in your newspaper blacking-up' as part of a fancy dress costume for harmless fun'.

Blacking up' is one of the oldest and most offensive ways in which black people have been mocked or stereotyped. It is a practice that is rightly dying out in the world of entertainment, and it should have no place in politics.

The fact that the leader of his group, Councillor Mike Freer - who also happens to be the leader of the council - has defended his conduct is even more astounding.

Mr Freer has said: "Are we now saying that white people cannot dress up as black people? I do not see how people can find it offensive."

How can we expect our community, in all its diversity, to have any confidence in the council, whose role it is to lead on community cohesion, when its leader condones such offensive behaviour.

Mr Gordon's actions should have no place in modern public life. He should resign his seat on the council. If he refuses to go, David Cameron should expel him from the Tory party.

Not only is Mr Freer the the leader of the council; he is also a selected parliamentary candidate for the Conservative party, which shows that the Tories have not changed.

Mr Cameron's claims to have changed the Tory party will not be taken seriously while he puts forward candidates for parliament such as Mr Freer, who do not understand why Mr Gordon's actions are offensive.

Mr Cameron should show he is serious about modernising the Tories by removing Mr Freer as the candidate for Finchley & Golders Green, and ordering a new selection process with a range of candidates representing modern Britain.

Councillor Ansuya Sodha Councillor Charlie O-Macauley Councillor Agnes Slocombe Councillor Zakia Zubairi (all Lab)