The BNP was disappointed by the actions of some MPs

Adrian Marsden was named as part of the Race Equality and Community Cohesion Working Group on Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire last week.

The move was condemned by fellow councillors and West Yorkshire MPs.

The council has now said the group is being disbanded earlier than expected in the wake of the criticism.

No influence

Conservative councillor Amanda Byrne, who is responsible for the council's community services, said the group was no longer needed.

"Once the race equality scheme had been approved by the Commission for Racial Equality and a social cohesion plan devised, I felt there was no longer any reason for the working group to continue.

"My decision was not influenced by the media's criticism but it probably moved it forward.

"I hope this now draws a line in the sand. There was no pressure on me from anyone to come to this decision."

'Disappointing' decision

Mr Marsden was appointed by the council's cabinet on Friday, 9 July after he was nominated by his party.

He is one of three BNP representative on the unitary Calderdale authority who were re-elected at the recent local elections.

The working group, which had eight members from across the political spectrum, was aimed at bringing the communities in the Calderdale area closer together.

Committee member and Labour councillor, Mohammed Najib, described the decision as "very, very disappointing".

Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors threatened to boycott the group, while 17 MPs signed a Commons motion calling for Mr Marsden's removal.

BNP spokesman Dr Phil Edwards said at the time: "Mr Marsden was elected in a democratic vote by people in this ward, so are the MPs anti-democracy?"

Mr Byrne said she would be recommending the disbanding of the group at a cabinet meeting on Monday 19 July.