A deputy mayor has stepped down and been expelled from the Conservative Party after "completely unacceptable" social media posts.

Cllr Steve Iles, who held the title in Medway, has been told by council leader Alan Jarrett he must leave the party following a series of comments on Facebook and Twitter.

He has been a long serving councillor in Strood North, last year was Mayor of Medway and elected as deputy earlier this year.

In a statement issued today, Cllr Jarrett said: "As a result of thoroughly unacceptable posts on social media Cllr Steve Iles has been expelled from the Conservative Party.

"The posts in question are completely contrary to the values of both the Medway Conservative Group and the Conservative Party nationally, and do not adhere to our strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

"I have met with Cllr Iles and explained that his actions are unacceptable, and as a consequence he will no longer enjoy the Conservative whip or be able to sit as a Conservative councillor.

"On a personal note, I sincerely regret any offence the actions of Cllr Iles may have caused.”

It comes after LBC published details of councillors across the UK who have posted content deemed to be Islamophobic online, which Cllr Iles was included in.

LBC highlighted a post of picture of a bacon sandwich that said "I am proud to be English" implying Muslims - who do not eat pork - were somehow less English.

His Facebook account has been deleted.

This year Cllr Iles deleted his Twitter account following a risqué reply sent to a woman posing in lingerie.

The woman was asking her personal trainer to whip her into shape.

Cllr Iles replied: "Shape is fine, if I can help with the whipping....?"

He told KentOnline at the time his account had been hacked.

It has also been confirmed he has stepped down from his mayoral duties in Medway.

He will remain a councillor and Medway Council has confirmed no formal disciplinary proceedings have been triggered.

Mr Iles said: "I regret any offence that was caused and none was meant whatsoever."

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