An MP and councillor have clashed after the leader of the Conservative party at Burnley Council was accused of making “racist” comments.

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has called some of Councillor Alan Hosker’s comments “disgraceful” and “racist”.

Mr Ryan, elected at last month's General Election posted screenshots, reportedly shared by Cllr Hosker on social media and in a private email, about the current far-right riots in the country, in the wake of the stabbings of young girls in Southport and immigration.

Cllr Hosker, who represents the Hapton with Park ward, has defended his comments, and said “we need to get a grip” on those coming into the country, though adding that “rioting and looting is never the way forward”.

Sharing a screenshot of an email said to have been sent by Cllr Hosker, Labour MP Mr Ryan said: “Absolute disgrace.

"The leader of the Conservatives [at] Burnley Council has sent an email to the council attempting to justify and explain rioting racist thugs by talking about 'migration'.

“You can't pick and choose when you support law and order.”

In the email, Cllr Hosker is reported to have said: “Regarding these riots all over our country, it’s down to the Labour government to get a grip.

“Migration is way out of control. Folk in our country feel like they are being [treated] liked second-class citizens watching migrants be put up in hotels, first-class medical services, including first on the housing list while folk feel ignored.

“I reckon things will get worse before better until the Government starts to put this country first.

"This is my opinion after listening to folk in this area. Some of you won’t like this but this is my feedback.”

Mr Ryan also shared screenshots, reportedly taken from Mr Hosker’s Facebook page.

One includes a screenshot from the 70s British sitcom Love Thy Neighbour, a controversial show that some regard as having racist tendencies.

He said: “When TV was funny to watch before the Government started to say ‘don’t say that you can’t do this, don’t do that.”

In other posts, shared by Mr Ryan, Mr Hosker is reported to have said: “Labour is letting migrants come in like an open door, treated to hotels, first in line for housing and medical treatment despite coming illegally.

“We have our own people struggling, living from food banks, losing their houses through repossession.

"It’s two-tier policing. [When] our people complain people come down heavy yet others who fly banned flags… our police seem to turn a blind eye.

"We are treated like second-class citizens in our own country.”

Commenting on the posts, Mr Ryan said: “How is this anything other than just racist?”

In response to the accusations and screenshots, Mr Hosker said: “Ryan who?

"This is all coming from Burnley’s new MP who has just voted to strip pensioners of their winter fuel payments, and who has not even bothered to show his face since he was elected.

"He’s a party robot simple as. Frankly, I’m disgusted with him for playing politics with the heartbreak in Southport. 

“Rioting and looting is never the way forward. The point I was expressing, privately to other councillors I might add, is that we need to get a grip on those coming into our country.

"Like I said, some may disagree, but I believe the majority of residents in my area support this position.”