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Burton's former mayor's consort has quit the Tories after a racism row involving shadow home secretary Diane Abbott.

Former East Staffordshire Conservative Association president James Toon wrote on Facebook that Ms Abbott was giving away "free bananas".

He has faced a barrage of criticism on social media, including accusations of racism, after making the comment on a meme about the Labour shadow cabinet member.

In an apparent satire of Labour's policy to nationalise broadband services, the post featured a picture of Ms Abbott alongside the words: "Breaking news: Diane Abbott announces free broad beans for everyone by 2025."

Mr Toon then replied in a subsequent comment: "And free bananas."

As a result of the comment, Burton and Uttoxeter Conservatives confirmed Mr Toon had resigned from the party.

(Image: Getty Images)

A spokesman said: "It has come to our attention that James Toon has made a comment about Diane Abbott which he has now apologised for.

"We apologise to anyone who has been offended by the content.

"James has offered his resignation as a member of the party and we have accepted it."

Mr Toon has been unavailable for comment, but his wife, former mayor Beryl, dismissed the accusations.

Speaking "on his behalf", she said it was a "throwaway comment which he did not think about" and the couple had "many friends of all nationalities".

(Image: Burton Live)

She said: "He has resigned as a member of the party and is no longer a Conservative.

"He is not a councillor of any sort. He made the comment as everyone was saying that she was doing things for free.

"He never even thought about it. He is not a racist. We have a lot of friends who are of all nationalities. It was just a throwaway comment.

"We have subsequently received abuse from members of the Labour party. There was a lot of abuse, the threats and language was disgusting.

"He has come off Facebook altogether because of the language."

Paul Walker, chairman of Burton and Uttoxeter Labour Party said: "If she can provide evidence of Labour Party members using this language and if there have been threats made then we would take appropriate action.

"This is another incident of racism in the Conservative Party in the last 12 months.

"I didn't know that he was the president of the association and while it is just a ceremonial role and doesn't hold power, you get that position by being a long-standing member of that association.

"He is a figure of responsibility so to make racist comments which you could hear at a football match it is disgraceful."

Ms Abbott's office has been approached for comment.