A COUNCIL leader was today accused of 'double standards' after failing to invite a BNP councillor to take part in a charity event.

Opposition councillors in Blackburn today rounded on Bill Taylor, accusing him of making a mockery of the council's 'inclusivity' and 'equality' policies by not including Mill Hill councillor Robin Evans in an email reminding members about an annual quiz.

The email, leaked to the Evening Telegraph, showed that Coun Taylor had sent out a reminder to fellow councillors days before the charity quiz, held in King George's Hall, Blackburn.

Instead of typing 'Members All' into the recipient box -- which would have automatically sent it to all councillors -- Coun Taylor instead wrote 'Members Labour; Members Liberal Democrats; Members Conservative' which left out Coun Evans, the sole BNP councillor on Blackburn with Darwen Council.

A written invitation had previously been sent out to councillors to put up teams. Coun Evans claims he never received that either, although Donna Hall, executive director for resources, said an initial invitation had gone to all members and staff.

The quiz is considered at the council to be an event organised by Bill Taylor even though it has the support of officers.

The email -- which simply stated 'Hope we've got teams galore!!!' -- has prompted a furious row.

Conservative Corporation Park councillor Graham Pound started the row, demanding to know why Coun Taylor had not simply sent the email to everyone.

In an email, which was sent to all councillors who received Coun Taylor's reminder, Coun Pound wrote: "Why not Members All? You are a bigot who seeks to exclude those with a different view to you. Never mind that he is elected and has as much right to be present and listened to as you do."

Conservative leader Colin Rigby today said: "I am fully aware of this email, as is most of the council.

"Graham has been told it was not the best response to Bill Taylor's email. But perhaps Bill would have been better off sending it around to everyone to start off with. It would have saved this aggravation in the first place."

But Conservative backbencher and Coun Pound's fellow Corporation Park ward councillor, Paul McGurty, said: "It might not have been well put, but Graham has a point."

Coun Evans said: "I have never received any information about this event. The Labour group try to ignore me which just shows the contempt they hold the people of Mill Hill in.

"I think I should have been told. If 61 of the 62 councillors were, why leave me out?"

Coun Taylor said today: "It is up to me who I send reminders to about events."