Tory councillor Andrew Edwards suspended over racist remark allegations pending an investigation

A Tory councillor has been suspended after a recording surfaced appearing to show him say all white men should have a black person as a slave.

Andrew Edwards, who represents the party on Pembrokeshire County Council, released a statement on Wednesday saying he had referred himself to the Public Services Ombudsman.

But on Thursday, the Welsh Conservatives confirmed to Sky News he had also been suspended from the party, pending an investigation.

In the recording, which has been widely shared online, a man's voice, thought to be that of Mr Edward's, said: "I think all white men should have a black man as a slave or a black woman as a slave, you know.

"It's nothing wrong with skin colour, it is just they're a lower class than us white people, you know."

It is not clear where or when the recording was made.

In his written statement, Mr Edwards said: "I am aware of such serious allegations being made against me. This is why I have self referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for an independent evaluation.

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"It is now in the hands of legal experts and the Ombudsman. It would be unfair on the process for me to comment now."

It has also been confirmed that Mr Edwards has left the party group on the council.

Welsh Conservatives leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, said: "The views expressed in the recording are disgraceful, abhorrent and are not shared by the Welsh Conservatives.

"As the matter is being investigated, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The Pembrokeshire council said: "We are aware of an allegation being made and have referred the matter to the ombudsman. It would be inappropriate to comment further."