Call for MP Aidan Burley to resign over Nazi stunt row

The leader of Cannock Chase Council today called for MP Aidan Burley to step down after bringing what he described as "disgrace" on the town.

It follows further allegations over a stag party held in the French Alps at which the groom wore a Nazi uniform and toasts were said to have been made to to the Third Reich.

It is claimed Mr Burley was aware of what was happening as he had hired the uniform for his friend. He has expressed his regret but has now lost his job as an aide to Transport Secretary Justine Greening while an investigation is carried out into his conduct.

Labour councillor George Adamson said: "I think it's pretty disgusting and he has brought disgrace to Cannock Chase and I think he should resign as the MP. "He said he didn't know anything about the Nazi uniform in advance, and now it looks obvious he knew about it in advance.

"Resigning is the only honourable thing he can do now."

Meanwhile councillor John Beddows, a fellow Conservative and chairman of the council, said Mr Burley's actions were "silly" but stopped short of calling for the MP to go.

He said: "I stick by what I said this time last week, it was ill judged and silly, but we all do silly things from time-to-time and I don't think he should lose his job. I do genuinely think he is a good MP, but he is young and immature. However bigger crimes and scandals and been committed by MPs before in the last 15 years."

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said today it felt it was important that the investigation launched by the Prime Minister looked at the facts. "I spoke to Aidan last week and I know he's very upset at the offence he has caused. I think now is the time for the facts to be looked at so they can speak for themselves."

Mr Burley also came under fire from union boss Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, who said he should be expelled from the Conservative Party.

"Treating the Nazis as some kind of sick joke isn't just an error of judgment, it renders him unfit for public office and Cameron should have the guts to boot him out of the party."

Related stories:

• MP sacked over 'offensive' party

• MP in call for Aidan Burley to be sacked

• MP's regret at stag do antics