Robbie Moore

The Mayor of Keighley has resigned after being criticised for describing his attendance at a Pride event as a " lapse in judgement".

In a Facebook post, Mohammed Nazam said his participation had contradicted his " personal religious beliefs".

He was suspended by The Conservative group on Bradford Council once his comments came to light and later announced he would quit as mayor.

In a statement He Said he " did not mean any harm to the LGBTQ community".

He Said he intended to carry on as an Independent councillor, according to the.

In his post, on a page called Keighley Pakistanis, Mr Nazam said: " I wholeheartedly apologise for my participation in the flag-raising ceremony, as it contradicts my personal religious beliefs, as many of you are aware. "

He Said he had since " personally repented for this error, " adding: " Looking Back , I realise that I should have respectfully declined The Request at The Time . "

Robbie Moore , Conservative MP for Keighley, who also attended The Event on Friday, had called for Mr Nazam to consider his position.

He Said : " I've seen comments made by [Mr] Nazam, stating that he feels the need to apologise for his part in the flag-raising ceremony and the need for him to " personally repent for 'his' error" because of religious beliefs.

" The Role of The Town mayor is to represent everyone within the community and therefore it was deeply disheartening to read The Mayor 's statement. "

Following his suspension, Mr Nazam issued a statement saying he would Stand Down with " immediate effect.

" By my apology I did not mean any harm to the LGBTQ community, " He Said .

" My religion teaches respect and tolerance for all and The Law of The Land . People should have the freedom to express their beliefs and live their lives as they wish to. This should apply to all communities and religious beliefs. "

Source of news: bbc.com