Two prospective Tory councillors have resigned from the Conservative Party after being suspended for posting pictures of themselves holding golliwog dolls on Facebook.

'Just a child's toy': Smiling Star and Bill Etheridge with the doll

Married couple Bill and Star Etheridge, who campaign against political correctness, say they were trying to promote ‘healthy debate’ about whether the doll was a racist symbol.

But the pair were summoned before a disciplinary committee after a colleague made a complaint.

Mr Etheridge, 41, who was due to stand alongside his wife for the Tories in the Dudley Council elections in May, has now joined UKIP as he claims his right to express his views is being stifled by the Conservative Party.
What an ass! Blackpool councillor who called fans of town's football team 'donkey botherers' urged to resign
He said: ‘We just wanted to stimulate debate and gollies are a perfect example of an innocent child’s toy that’s been transformed into something sinister by the politically correct brigade.

‘We need to get back to a point where people can say what they think and not live in fear. That’s real democracy.’

The couple, who have been pictured with members of the Tory high command, including David Cameron, say they feel betrayed by the party.