Local MP Tom Gordon has called on the Government to debate candidate standards and party accountability following shocking revelations about town council candidate Anthony Murphy.
Murphy has been exposed for making homophobic comments, including calling homosexuality “intrinsically disordered” and claiming “AIDS is a disease spread by the depraved”.
The remarks were made both personally and via the Lumen Fidei Institute, which he is listed as a director of – with posts as recent as 2023.
However he still has the support of the local Conservative Association.
In Parliament, the Leader of the House agreed with Tom and urged Conservative members to act.
Tom Gordon MP said:
“Someone who publicly expresses such offensive views has no place in public life. If you can’t respect the people you represent, you shouldn’t stand for office.
“The Conservative Party must take action. Our communities deserve better.”

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