Mayor of Swale Cllr Adrian Crowther says he was stunned when a WI withdrew an invitation to him because, he claims, he was a single man.

The divorcee had been invited to help celebrate Newington WI’s 90th anniversary celebration on February 5.

Cllr Crowther says he was taken aback when his PA contacted him to say the WI didn’t think it was appropriate he attended. Cllr Crowther has a lady mayoress – his friend Pamela Berry.

The WI is now claiming it was all a misunderstanding and he wasn’t uninvited because of his marital status but because the event was being downscaled.

Cllr Crowther was due to present the group with a framed certificate to mark the milestone.

He said: "I have always championed the cause for women to be rightful members of so-called "men only" clubs and I have done my best to see that women are not discouraged from becoming councillors or MPs and are not discriminated against."

President of Newington WI Carol Davidson said: "I would like to apologise for any misunderstanding concerning the invitation of the mayor of Swale to Newington WI’s anniversary celebrations.

"Due to limited funds we are now holding a small birthday party but the mayor would be very welcome to join us."

Cllr Crowther said: "A 90th anniversary is very special and I’m saddened that someone should have an unreasonable approach to a man.

"However, I will accept the apology and the invitation.

"I am pleased that goodwill and common sense prevails and will look forward to celebrating this very significant and historic event of the anniversary of 90 years of Newington WI with its members."