A BOURNEMOUTH councillor who refused to apologise for alleged homophobic comments has demanded an apology himself after his name was linked with the British National Party.

Cllr David Clutterbuck resigned from the Conservatives after joking that a modern-day Noah would have to allow same-sex animals onto his ark.

In subsequent media interviews, he made further comments about gay people which were deemed offensive by the Conservative party and prompted an attempt to suspend him from two committees.

Cllr Clutterbuck, who is now a member of the Independent group, has always refused to apologise for his comments but believes he is now entitled to an apology from Conservative group leader Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin.

In reply to several e-mails from people supporting Cllr Clutterbuck, Cllr MacLoughlin said: "According to the BNP website, he is now in talks with that odious party."

Cllr MacLoughlin told the Daily Echo he has since satisfied himself that that was not the case and believes the BNP were simply trying to make political capital out of the situation.

He said he had explained the situation to Cllr Clutterbuck but not apologised.

"If anybody owes him an apology it is the BNP, but I doubt he will get one," said.

"The whole situation is regrettable for everyone concerned."

Cllr Clutterbuck said: "This mention of the BNP is the ultimate insult to me and my family.

"My daughter-in-law's father was Jewish and I am very proud that my grandchildren have good Jewish blood in them.

"This is a calculated attempt to slur me and my family."

The BNP's website had asked why Cllr Clutterbuck was "wasting his time as a member of the sopping wet Tories... when he has another political home to go to".