Tories backing Burley after stag party claim

The Cannock Chase Conservative Association met to discuss claims that he lied to an internal Conservative Party inquiry conducted by Lord David Gold.

Photographs and an audio transcript were published in a Sunday newspaper that appeared at odds with his statement that he was not present at a bar in the French Alps when guests were said to have chanted the names of Hitler and Himmler.

Mr Burley has already apologised after it was revealed he bought a Nazi uniform which was worn by the groom. Mr Burley was best man.

The incident happened in 2011 but the internal report has only just been released following the conclusion of a criminal prosecution against groom Mark Fournier. Wearing a Nazi uniform is a criminal offence in France and Mr Fournier was fined £1,200 and made to pay £800 to a Holocaust victims families group.

Mr Burley faced no charges himself but the incident led to him being sacked as a ministerial aide in 2011. And Lord Gold's report branded his behaviour in buying the costume 'stupid and offensive' but said he was 'not a bad man, still less a racist or anti-Semite'.Now the Cannock Chase Conservative Association has given him its full backing.

In a statement the association said that Mr Burley had 'made it clear he had told the whole truth in every aspect to the internal Conservative Party inquiry conducted by Lord Gold'.

It added: "Aidan also pointed to a letter he had received from the French judge in charge of the investigation, which cleared him of any offences, and in which the waiters at the restaurant said the stag party 'had remained polite and not been arrogant or vulgar at any time'."

Paul Snape, leader of the opposition Conservative group on Cannock Chase Council said: "We've never doubted Aidan's version of events and fully stand behind him as our MP."

Cannock Chase Conservative Association is chaired by Mr Burley's fiancee, Conservative councillor Jodie Jones. The statement also included comments from businessmen supporting Mr Burley. Former amateur heavyweight boxing champion and Bar Sport owner Scott Murray said: "Aidan is a very hard-working local MP and should be allowed to get on with his important job of getting the best deal for Cannock Chase residents. He made a mistake two years ago, has apologised, and paid the price. This political smear campaign against him by Ian Austin and other MPs who have no interest in Cannock must end – enough is enough."

Cannock businessman Des McManus, of Mailcoms, said: "Aidan is great local MP and has always supported businesses like mine. He has paid a heavy price for a mistake two years ago and must now be allowed to focus on working for the people of Cannock Chase, as he has always done, whether through running jobs fairs to help people back into work or spearheading the campaign to save Cannock Hospital. He has been great for our area."

Meanwhile the Conservative Party's chairman Grant Shapps has rejected calls for the party to reopen Lord Gold's inquiry.

He said: "Aidan Burley has quite rightly been subject to a report. It is absolutely right he has apologised for his involvement. It doesn't represent where he stands. I think the matter is now closed.

"It is a matter for the party but the inquiry has taken place some time ago. We consider the matter is now closed. He has apologised. It doesn't benefit anyone to keep this running and running."

But Dudley North Labour MP Ian Austin, who has been highly critical of Mr Burley, said: "Local people will not be satisfied with this whitewash."